Best of Eswatini by Sven Boermeester

ESWATINI 50th Double Celebrations Edition

His Majesty King Mswati III Foreword Your Majesty the Indlovukazi, Your Excellency, President Tsai of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and your Distinguished Delegation, Your Excellency, Vice President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Emakhosikati, Your Royal Highnesses, Prime Minister, Councillors, Chiefs, Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Cabinet Ministers, Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Presiding Officers and Members of both Houses of Parliament, Distinguished Delegations from the Republics of China (Taiwan) and Equatorial Guinea, Regional Administrator for the Manzini Region, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. Siyanivusela Nonkhe Bekunene Lapha Kamanzini.

Throughout these years Taiwan has made an

of the celebration at stadiums in the other

immense contribution to the development of our

regions to ensure that nobody is left out due to

Kingdom in various sectors.

the lack of space at this venue, since this is a great milestone in our history.

This includes the international convention centre, the science park at Nokwane, the rural

We also welcome the viewers from across Africa

electrification programme, human resource

who have tuned in to television, as well as the

development that has yielded doctors for this

listeners following proceedings on our national

country and development of our health facilities,

radio.

to mention but a few.

We are proud to be joined by her Excellency

Your Excellency we also wish to congratulate

Introduction

President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and

you for your contribution to the development of

It is a great honour for me to welcome you all to

her distinguished delegation, on this historic day

Taiwan. Your leadership acumen has enhanced

the mavuso exhibition and trade centre stadium

for the Kingdom of eSwatini and her people.

peace and stability as well as improved the living

for the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th birthday and independence golden jubilee celebrations.

We applaud the efforts to provide live screening

The presence of the President is highly significant for our two countries as it marks 50

standards of your people. This is a remarkable achievement.

We welcome the entire nation to this occasion

years of healthy diplomatic relations between

As a country that aspires to reach first world

and those who have travelled from far and wide

the Kingdom of eSwatini and the Republic of

status, we look forward to learning a lot from

to be with us here today.

China (Taiwan).

Taiwan that has already achieved developed

Best of eSwatini

Our cultural heritage has continued to be the core fabric of our nationhood. It binds us together. The cultural values, which are aligned to christian principles, define our identity and it is gratifying to note that we have not lost sight of who we are, by successfully blending tradition with modernity.

Attaining independence We take this opportunity to acknowledge our predecessors, who led this resilient nation towards independence and did so peacefully. The wise leadership of King Sobhuza II helped lay a firm foundation upon which we have built the successful nation we have today. We owe it to the future generations to jealously guard our independence and the peace we enjoy, which allows undisrupted progress in our quest to attain the aspirations of our national vision 2022.

Year of golden jubilee As proclaimed in the holy bible the almighty God has blessed us with a year of jubilee, which is a year of restoration and liberty - a year of pardon aimed at enhancing our peace. Peace has become an elusive commodity across the globe, but we are proud to count it as one of the most significant milestones of the 50 years since independence. Because of this, the Kingdom of eSwatini is internationally renowned as a haven for peace, harmony and stability. We applaud Emaswati for fully embracing the philosophy of solving their differences in a peaceful manner. Differing viewpoints will always emerge in any society which makes it important to provide forums, such as Sibaya, that accommodates diverse views.

status. It is one of the leading countries in

Gods guidance and protection

innovation and ict, with top class science parks.

As we gather here today to reflect on our

It is through Sibaya, the ultimate decision

milestones, we first have to give thanks to

making body of the land, that our Tinkhundla

the almighty God for showering us with His

governance system was developed.

It is for this reason that we believe Taiwan has a lot to offer to the global community and deserves a place as a full member of the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organisation (who).

blessings in good times and for His protection and guidance during challenging times.

Great strides have been made using Tinkhundla that

embraces

grassroots

participation

Our national motto is to put God first in

in support of the monarchy to formulate

everything that we do; He is our source of life.

government.

and lobbying for the inclusive participation of

We thank Emaswati for remaining steadfast in

The monarch rules by consensus and it is

Taiwan within the international community.

upholding the christian values that were passed

through the national consultations that have

on to us by God in a vision to King Somhlolo.

guided our development policies, legislation

This has proven to be the key ingredient to our

and social cohesion. This is our monarchical

Your Excellency, we wish to reiterate our support

We are also pleased that in our midst we have the Vice President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

peaceful development.

democracy.

We applaud the very cordial relations that

Preservation of culture

We applaud all the hard working men and

happily exist between our two countries. Our

Complementing these principles has been the

women, whose loyalty and dedication to duty

bilateral cooperation continues to make a

dedication and commitment by Emaswati to

- supported by a committed nation united in

positive contribution to the development of the

preserving the cultural norms and traditions that

common purpose - has ensured that we get to

two countries in various sectors.

we inherited from our forebears.

celebrate our successes as a collective.

Best of eSwatini

Significant milestones

In addition, we applaud the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability

Our country now boasts an airport of high

Maswati, you deserve to stand proud of turning

to ensure that over 97% of our children have

international standards. Soon, we will also be

the tide during all times of difficulties we have

access to education through the introduction

in a position to offer an international convention

gone through as a nation.

of free primary education. Communities have

centre and hotel, thus placing us as one of the

also come on board in assisting government

most conducive locations for investment in sub-

to build the necessary schools. This is highly

saharan Africa.

Our goal as Emaswati is to stand together and confront any problem head-on has taken us thus far. Let us continue to work as a nation in order to contribute to the sustainable development of

We have seen a remarkable improvement

our nation.

in the access to water and electricity in rural

Contribution to global initiatives Maswati, despite being a small country, we are proud to say we not only enjoy harmonious

communities resulting in over 90% of our people

relations with countries of the world, at

enjoying these essential commodities. The

the

country is now ranked third among the southern

African Union (AU) and the Southern African

African power pool members, in terms of giving

Development Community (sadc) and (sacu),

our people access to electricity.

but play an impactful role in these organisations.

Our food self sustainability initiatives have been

The country has been recognised internationally

success in the eradication of malaria, which led

up-scaled to subsidy level. This has improved

for our role in women empowerment and we are

to the country assuming chairmanship of the

the yield per hectare and brought us closer to

now among the top ten in the world on child

African Leaders Malaria Alliance (alma). Let us

our targets.

protection, among others. We have done well

maintain this record for the next 50 years.

We have also been able to provide several

Our investment in infrastructure development is

empowerment initiatives that have made a

really paying off. We now have a high quality

significant contribution to poverty alleviation.

road network that is at par with the best in the

These include, but not limited to, providing

region, continent and the world at large.

resources for the regional development fund,

We have also been able to provide greater

phalala fund, youth enterprise fund and the

access to health facilities with our hospitals and

orphaned and vulnerable children education

clinics to ensure we have a healthy nation.

fund.

Government has continued to provide resources

The

so that Emaswati have health facilities closer

investment in the Royal Science and Technology

Task for the future

to their communities. However we still have a

Park (rstp), which is expected to promote

A lot of work still lies ahead of us but it is important

challenge to provide specialised medical care to

innovation and entrepreneurship among the

to document and use these successes to propel

our people.

youth.

us to greater heights.

We have put structures to fight hiv/aids. The disease had begun to erode all the gains in human capital investment by reducing life expectancy and placing a heavy burden on our social structures. We also congratulate you for achieving great

commendable.

Best of eSwatini

United

Nations,

Commonwealth,

the

on several of the Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs). We applaud the cooperation that has been forged with our bilateral and development partners who have made a tremendous contribution to the achievements we are celebrating today. To all of them we wish to say thank you very much. Please pass our acknowledgement to your respective government and organisations.

country

has

also

made

significant

Our economy needs each and every citizen to put shoulder to the wheel, so as to grind out the much needed impetus towards meeting national obligations. We must continue to prioritise health, education, agriculture,

technology,

job

creation

and

empowerment of women and children, among several other poverty alleviation initiatives, as we seek to realise the aspirations of “vision 2022”.

National elections The journey to the next 50 years begins with our active participation in the upcoming national elections. Go out there and be counted as having contributed to future milestones by electing credible men and women who will carry the baton forward.

Conclusion Maswati, I thank you for continuously blessing me with the gift of peace every year and I could ask for nothing more in the years to come.

Tsine singemaswati! Therefore, I have the

We congratulate and urge you to continue with

pleasure to present to you, on this historic day,

your good work and to leave a noble legacy for

a new name for the Kingdom. Our country will

the future generation to emulate.

now be called; “Kingdom of eSwatini”.

The names will be announced to the public

Medals of honour

Gift to eSwatini

Today we would also like to recognise and

As we are aware, the name Swaziland was

confer national honours on some citizens, as

inherited from the British. If we are to give true

well as friends of the Kingdom, who have played

meaning to our independence, time has come

a pivotal role in the development of this country.

to give our country a name of its people.

The milestones of peace, stability, and economic

It must be said that this process is long overdue,

development would not have been possible

particularly if you consider how other countries

without their loyalty, dedication, hard work and

in the region localised their names soon after

support towards raising the living standards of

independence.

our people.

shortly. At this juncture we say well done to all those who made this day a great success. The various contributions, including gifts, from all sectors of society and individuals is highly appreciated. I wish to conclude by saying; this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Happy 50 / 50 maswati lamahle!

I thank you, may the almighty God bless us all!

Best of eSwatini

BEST OF ESWATINI

volume 1, introduction

‘Best of eSwatini’ is a celebration of this beautiful independent Kingdom nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, known for its warmth and friendliness to all who visit. There is an indelible hope for the future evident amongst

This compilation of imagery and editorial in the high-

the Swazi nation. The influence and tradition of the Swazi

quality design of the ‘Best of’ Series, aptly captures the

Royal Family is an integral part of presenting a complete

essence of Swaziland. This small country is diverse in its

picture of the Swazi Kingdom. This rich cultural heritage

offerings of natural resources, which range from asbestos,

allows an insight into where Swaziland has come from,

coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forestry, as well as

the vision of the country, as well as its beliefs and values.

small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc.

Our aim is to showcase Swaziland to Africa and ultimately

As His Majesty King Mswati III and the Swazi nation

the world. This publication is the go-to publication for

celebrate the 50/50 Double Celebrations ‘Best of eSwatini’

anyone interested in the country and offers a succinct

offers a visual celebration of His Majesty’s and Swaziland’s

guide to both business and leisure offerings. By featuring some of the best companies, entrepreneurs and business leaders, a clear picture of the very best of eSwatini is beautifully presented. The publication’s emphasis is on actively introducing the leaders in Swazi business, products and services. It activates and facilitates conversations and transactions that lead to new client acquisitions and improved revenue for participants. The ultimate goal is branding Swaziland for investment and showcasing its unique culture and heritage. ‘Best of eSwatini’ is aimed not only at high-profile business

achievements and successes over the past 50 years. It captures the historical journey of this land and its people, and offers a glimpse into the country’s past and future. Our sincere thanks must go to the participants showcased in our very first edition; and most notably our Platinum Sponsor Kirsh Holdings; representing the ‘Best of’ in their respective fields and all having contributed immensely to Swaziland’s economic health and development. We profile these individuals, companies and organisations in a celebration of their success - promoting Swaziland / eSwatini throughout Africa and the world.

leaders and potential investors but also the people of Swaziland. This legacy project is a compilation of all that

Headspace would also like to thank the Ministries of

the country can be proud of and shares all its success

ICT and Home Affairs for this golden opportunity and in

stories on a lasting global platform.

tirelessly working with us to make this National Legacy Project a success. Our appreciation also goes to the

The ‘Best of eSwatini’ crisply profiles leadership, leading

Swaziland Tourism Authority and National Archives for the

companies, icons and innovators within their genre. Global

photographs and information used throughout.

Village celebrates the success of countries, individuals and companies with our ‘good news’ editorial and pictorial

We trust that you will be enriched by ‘Best of eSwatini:

imagery in the highest quality print format available.

Volume 1’.

Best of eSwatini

CREDITS Best of eSwatini Publishing Partner and Editorial Contributions

Headspace – Sifiso Maseko Email: sifiso@gvpedia.com / cyfiso56@gmail.com Cell: +268 7658 4736 or +2760 504 2880

International Group Publisher

Sven Boermeester

Proudly African Group Publisher

Thapelo Letsholo

Project Manager, Production and African Group Publisher

Gia Bischofberger

Production and Publishing House

GVPedia Communications cc

Sales and Marketing

Sifiso Maseko and Gcebile Ndlovu

Editorial and Imagery Contributions

The Kingdom of Swaziland

Creative Direction

Susan Heiman, iMedi8 Creative

Contact Details

GVPedia Communications cc P.O. Box 5289, Dainfern North, 2174 Fax: +27 86 586 1999 Email: gia@gvpedia.com www.GlobalVillage.world www.ProudlyAfrican.info

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in ‘Best of eSwatini’ vol.1. Neither ‘Best of eSwatini’, Headspace, nor GVPedia Communications cc assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or submissions by participators. The editor reserves the right to amend and alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.

Sven Boermeester

Thapelo Letsholo

Gia Bischofberger

Sifiso Maseko

Best of eSwatini

Foreword From His excellency THe Prime minisTer oF swaziland,

dr. sibusiso barnabas dlamini

Best of eSwatini

It is with great honour that I welcome the inaugural publication of ‘Best of eSwatini’ to our Kingdom. ‘Best of eSwatini’ Volume 1 delves into all that the southern African nation has to offer – exploring opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship. This impressive “coffee-table” publication is filled with pertinent

With open borders, Swaziland enjoys membership in a number of

information relating to all matters of this compact Kingdom with

advantageous geographical unions and associations, including

big heart – including leisure and tourism, history and heritage,

SACU (the Southern African Customs Union) and SADC (the

people and culture, as well as vital business and investment

Southern African Development Community) – both of which

information. This is all depicted through high-quality photographic

constitute populations of approximately 277 million.

imagery highlighting the magnificence of Swaziland at her best. ‘Best of eSwatini’ is not just capturing history, but sharing with

This bold and colourful publication of ‘Best of eSwatini’ reflects

the world the great strides Swaziland is taking into our collective

the lives and livelihoods of the Swazi people. The country

future.

is embracing leisure and business visitors alike and is open for business and investment. The potential for investment in

The ‘Best of’ series has established itself throughout the African

Swaziland has always been evident, but the country is now ready

continent and across the world – and Swaziland is now proud

for a new tide of development and progress.

to join many other progressive African nations under the Proudly African umbrella. This showcase will allow a Swazi presence

Whether you are a businessperson, an executive, a leisure

at investment and tourism events worldwide and places us on

or adventure traveller, or simply interested in the fascinating

the bookshelves and coffee tables of global players in industry,

Kingdom of Swaziland – I invite you to envelope yourselves in the

commerce and leisure.

vibrant pages of ‘Best of eSwatini’ that follow.

Swaziland’s unique appeal lies in our positioning cradled between

I welcome you to admire the natural beauty of our land, our

South Africa and Mozambique – two nations with heritage deeply

achievements, and our resourceful people. This is Swaziland’s

entrenched in trade. This fertile Kingdom is also one of the last

time in the sun; this is our story; a showcase of Swazi

remaining Monarchies in Africa – and our people hold traditional

developments in business, industry, agribusiness and tourism on

culture close to their hearts.

a global stage.

The country is bestowed with breathtaking natural heritage

We look forward to welcoming you to Swaziland.

and a number of resources. Our pristine mountains and valleys

are

ideal

for

leisure

and

adventure

travellers.

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland

But with a focus on economic expansion, Swaziland is now opening its doors to further trade and investment.

Dr. Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini

Best of eSwatini

Chapter 4

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Chapter 6

68 Chapter 2

TRAVEL, TOURS AND LEISURE

Best of eSwatini

ARTS and CRAFTS

128

Chapter 3 116 Chapter 5 14

PHILANTROPHY AND ICONS OF SWAZILAND

108

ROYAL FAMILY and CHIEFTAINSHIP

Chapter 1

contents

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

164 Chapter 8

Chapter 9

CORPORATE PROFILES AND CSR

184 Chapter 10

156 Chapter 7

FINANCIAL SERVICES

176

education

PLANTATIONS AND FORESTRY

Best of eSwatini

swaziland at a Glance Full Name: Capital: Motto: National Anthem: King:

Kingdom of Swaziland Lobamba (royal / legislative) Mbabane (administrative) “Siyinqaba” (Swati) – “We are a fortress”, “We are a mystery/riddle”, “We hide ourselves away” Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati – “Oh God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi” King Mswati III (Rules with his mother/ “Ndlovukati” – Ntfombi Tfwala)

Prime Minister:

Sibusiso Dlamini

Independance:

6 September 1968

Area:

17,364 km²

Regions:

Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini and Shiselweni

Population:

1,093,238 (2017 est)

Language:

Swazi and English

Religions:

Christianity and traditional religions

Exports:

Apparel, textiles, sugar and timber

Natural Resources:

Asbestos, diamonds, iron ore and gold

Monetary Unit:

South African Rand and Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)

TIMELINE ‘Sibebe Rock’ is the largest exposed granite pluton in the world; Mbabane 25,000 BC

Artefacts found in Swaziland have shown the presence of humans as far back as the early Stone Age, 200,000 years ago, most likely Khoisan hunter-gatherers. The oldest rock art paintings discovered date from prehistoric times – around c. 25,000 BC. There are various sites of rock art paintings throughout Swaziland.

4th Century

Bantu tribes arrived during the Bantu migrations from the Great Lakes region of eastern-central Africa. There is evidence of agriculture and use of iron dating from around the 4th century.

11th Century

Speakers of languages preceding Sotho and Nguni began settling before the 11th century.

18th Century

Known as the Ngwane, Swazi settlers from the Pongola River arrived around the 18th century. They had originally moved from the Tembe River in Mozambique. Conflict had pushed them further north, where the leader Ngwane III established his capital at Shiselweni – at the foot of the Mhlosheni hills. The Ngwane people established their capital at Zombodze under Sobhuza I in the heart of today’s Swaziland.

1880s

In 1881 the British government signed a convention recognising Swazi independence despite the scramble for Africa that was taking place at the time. The present boundaries were drawn up in 1881. This independence was also recognised in the convention of 1884. After the death of King Mbandzeni in 1889, Swaziland moved into shared public administration between the British, the Dutch and the Swazi people.

1890s

In 1894, Swaziland was placed under the South African Republic as a protectorate during the rule of Ngwane V. It ended with the King’s death in December 1899 during the Second Boer war. Swaziland was indirectly involved in the war until 1902. Ngwane’s successor was four-month old Nkhotfotjeni, who would later became known as Sobhuza II.

1903 to 1921 – British Rule

After British victory in the Anglo-Boer war in 1903, Swaziland became a British protectorate. Early administration was carried out from South Africa until 1906 when the Transvaal colony was granted self-government. Swaziland’s land was then racially segregated. Sobhuza II’s official coronation was in December 1921.

1923 to 1963

Sobhuza II established the Swazi Commercial Amadoda to grant licences to small businesses on the Swazi reserves. He also established the Swazi National School to counter the dominance of mission education. Over time his stature grew and he successfully resisted the British administration – which attempted to incorporate Swaziland into the Union of South Africa.

1963 to 1967

The constitution for independent Swaziland was promulgated by Britain in November 1963. Elections took place and the first Legislative Council of Swaziland was constituted on 9 September 1964. Elections under a new constitution were held in 1967.

1968 to 1980s – Independence

1990s to 2000s

Swaziland was briefly a Protected State until independence on 6 September 1968. After elections in 1973, the constitution was suspended by King Sobhuza II who then ruled by decree until his death in 1982. With a reign of 61 years, Sobhuza II was the longest ruling monarch in history. After his death Queen Regent Dzeliwe Shongwe was head of state until 1984. She was replaced by Queen Mother Ntfombi Tfwala. Her son, Mswati III, was crowned King on 25 April 1986. Pressure from students and labourers saw progress towards constitutional reform and the current Swaziland constitution was introduced in 2005. The first election under the new constitution, took place in 2008. Members of Parliament were elected from 55 constituencies (also known as Tinkhundla) – with their five-year terms ending in 2013. The new Parliament was elected on 20 September 2013 and saw the reappointment of Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini, by the King, for the third time.

Best of eSwatini

Even though Swaziland is the smallest country

Africa), in the south by KwaZulu-Natal (South

Mswati III’s father, King Sobhuza II died in 1982

in the southern hemisphere, its mere 17,000km²

Africa) and in the east by Mozambique.

and a period of regency followed. King Mswati

of land is impressive in its array of visitor attractions. Swazi culture is deeply engrained

History

in its heritage. The unique ancient traditions

The sovereign southern African state and its

of Swaziland are keenly upheld and embraced by all generations, which in turn will ensure its lasting legacy. Swaziland achieved its independence in 1968, restoring its traditionalist African culture.

warmth,

century King under whose rule Swazi territory was expanded and unified. Mswati II was the greatest of the fighting Kings of Swaziland, and he greatly extended the area of the country to twice its current size.

Apart from its rich culture, friendliness, security and

people take their names from Mswati II, the 19th-

Swaziland’s

landscapes

are

unforgettable. Every turn offers a panorama of mountains, valleys, forests, plains, and wildlife reserves. This is Africa at its best in one tiny, neat package. Swaziland is a major draw card for nature lovers

Government and Politics King Mswati III rules with constitutional provisions for Swazi Law and customs. He is Head of State and appoints the Prime Minister as well as a selection of parliament representatives of Senate and House of Assembly. The Senate comprises of 30 members and the House of Assembly comprises of 65 seats.

and hikers and hosts numerous outstanding nature reserves – such as Milwane Wildlife

dictates that the king must reign alongside his mother – known as the “Ndlovukati” or Matriarch Elephant.

Political timeline • Independence 6 September 1968 – Swaziland adopted a Westminster-style constitution. • 12 April 1973 – King Sobhuza II annulled the constitution by decree, assuming supreme powers in all executive, judicial and legislative matters. • 1978 – The first non-party elections for the House of Assembly were held under the “Tinkhundla”

electoral

constituencies

determined by the King, and established an Electoral Committee appointed by the King to supervise elections.

Elections are held every five years to decide

• July

1996

–

Constitutional

Review

Sanctuary near Lobamba, Hlane Royal National

the majority in the House of Assembly. The last

Commission appointed by King Mswati III

Park, Mlawula Nature Reserve in the east,

elections were held on 20 September 2013.

comprising of chiefs, political activists and

Mkhaya Game Reserve in the south and the

The balloting is done on a non-party basis in all

unionists to consider public submissions and

Malolotja Nature Reserve in the west.

categories. All election procedures are overseen by the Elections and Boundaries Commission.

III then acceded to the throne in 1986. Tradition

The Kingdom of Swaziland is bordered in the

Swaziland’s current constitution was adopted in

north and in the west by Mpumalanga (South

2005.

Best of eSwatini

draft proposals for a new constitution. • December 2001 – A 15-member team announced to draft a new constitution. • 2005 – New constitution effected.

â&#x20AC;˘ 20 September 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini appointed by the King for his third term.

Elections Process Candidates within the Chiefdoms are decided through nominations. If the nominee accepts, he or she must be supported by at least ten members of that Chiefdom. Positions include Member of Parliament, Constituency Headman (Indvuna) and the Constituency Executive Committee (Bucopho). The minimum number of nominees is four and the maximum is ten. Primary elections also take place at Chiefdom level by secret ballot. The secondary and final elections take place at the various constituencies called Tinkhundla. Swaziland is divided into four regions: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini and Shiselweni. Within each region are several Tinkhundla. The regions are managed by a regional administrator and aided by elected members in each inkhundla. Local

government

comprises

varying

structures of rural and urban councils. The urban councils are effectively municipalities and

Best of eSwatini

Mbabane

the rural councils are the Tinkhundla. There are

King Mswati III in 1992. Located on the Mbabane

1887 proved to be the catalyst for the modern

12 municipalities and 55 Tinkhundla.

River on the edge of the escarpment, it is cradled

development present today. In 1903, Mbabane

by the Mdzimba Mountains with the backdrop

was declared the colonial capital of the British

There are three tiers of government in the urban

of the Dlangeni Hills. In this picturesque setting

after the end of the Anglo-Boer war. The Boer

and rural areas. The urban areas are comprised

within the Hhohho region, Mbabane sits at an

capital had been downhill in Bremersdorp (now

of city councils, town councils and town boards.

average altitude of 1,243m within the Highveld

Manzini), but the British preferred the cooler

Rural areas are comprised of the regional

and enjoys a temperate climate.

climate of Mbabane.

Mbabane is a short drive from the South African

The first post office was built in 1906 and

border at Ngwenya-Oshoek. Mbabane houses

electricity was installed in 1920 at the residence

The main cities and towns in Swaziland are

government

and

of the British Commissioner. Development

Manzini, Mbabane, Nhlangano and Siteki which

NGOs and is firmly Swaziland’s administrative

progressed to include a golf course, tennis

are also regional capitals. Other small towns are

centre and is firmly entrenched in the Kingdom’s

courts, cricket pitch and theatre club. Mbabane

Ezulwini, Matsapha, Hlatikhulu, Pigg’s Peak,

history and heritage.

began to drastically expand at independence in

administration at the regional level, Tinkhundla and Chiefdoms.

departments,

embassies

1968 when the Swazi Plaza was built – followed

Simunye and Big Bend. Dating back to the 1750s, Swaziland’s capital

Capital – Mbabane

is named after Chief Mbabane Kunene who

Mbabane received official recognition as a city by

settled in the area. A small trading store built in

Best of eSwatini

by the Mbabane Mall. This area is now the heart of the city, housing

banks, shops, internet cafes, tourist information

and mountainous Highveld which contrasts with

People and Culture

and most modern visitor amenities.

the hot and dry Lowveld.

The population of Swaziland is primarily

Mbabane is the home of the Waterford-Kamhlaba

This escarpment is created by the fault line

siSwati. There is a small number of Zulu and White

United World College of Southern Africa, as well

which runs from the Drakensberg Mountains of

Africans, mostly of British or Afrikaaner descent.

as one of the three campuses of the University

Lesotho, north through the Eastern highlands of

There were also a number of Portuguese and

of Swaziland. Established in 1982, the Indingilizi

Zimbabwe, and eventually forming the Great Rift

African refugees from Mozambique.

Gallery in Mbabane showcases a range of Swazi

Valley of Kenya.

comprised of ethnic Swazis whose language is

art, including sculptures, paintings, batiks,

Swazis were traditionally subsistence farmers Rain occurs mainly during the humid hot

and herders – however, more commonly work

summer, when Swaziland looks lush and green.

is sought within the expanding urban formal

Terrain and Climate

The winter months are dry and quite cold,

economy and government. Many also seek

Within a small area, Swaziland’s terrain offers

particularly in the Middle and Highveld.

work in South African mines.

the escarpment running through the country –

Swaziland has four separate climatic regions

Swaziland is well known for its numerous

creating two distinct zones, namely the Highveld

running from north to south and determined by

cultural ceremonies – most notably the Incwala

and the Lowveld. The diversity in climate and

altitude: the Highveld, Middleveld, Lowveld and

Ceremony. This ceremony is celebrated every

topography is most obviously evident in the cool

Lubombo plateau.

year at the end of December in the cultural and

mohair, ethnic jewellery and pottery.

surprising variety. This is mostly as a result of

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spiritual centre of the country, the Ludzidzini

these products uniquely reflect Swazi culture.

Royal Residence. It consists of a blessing from

Grass weaving, woodcarving and beadwork are

the Monarch on the first fruits of the year’s

rooted in local tradition. Introduced techniques

harvest. The Umhlanga Reed Dance at the

include glass blowing and candle making.

end of August is when young women from all over Swaziland gather at the royal residence to honour the Queen Mother with the reed they collect during the course of the ceremony. The reed is used to make wind breakers for the royal residence. The traditional Swazi homestead, a beehive hut thatched with dry grass, forms the centre of the Swazi social unit. There are three structures for sleeping, cooking, and storage (brewing beer). In the centre of the traditional homestead lies the cattle kraal – significantly a store of wealth and symbol of prestige. Looking onto the cattle

Languages The official languages of Swaziland are SiSwati and English. A Bantu language of the Nguni Group, SiSwati (also Swati, Swazi or Siswati) is spoken in Swaziland and South Africa by 2.5 million speakers. English is used as the official medium of communication in schools, business and the press. There are about 76,000 Zulu speakers in Swaziland and 19,000 Tsonga speakers. There is also a small number of Afrikaans speakers.

Religion Of Swaziland’s total population, around 83%

kraal is the great hut housing the mother of the

are Christian. Of this, 40% are from Anglican,

headman.

Protestant and indigenous African churches, while 20% are Roman Catholic. Other religions

Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini – The eldest daughter of King Mswati III. She wears a red feather crown, distinguishing her as royalty.

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Swaziland has a strong presence in the

comprise of traditional religions, Islam, the

handicrafts industry – which formally employs

Baha’i Faith, and Hinduism. There are 14 Jewish

over 2,500 people, mostly women. Ranging

families living in Swaziland. On 18 July 2012,

from household and cookery items in glass,

Ellinah Wamukoya was elected Anglican Bishop

stone and wood with artistic decorations,

of Swaziland – the first female bishop in Africa.

Economy

Development Community. Its major overseas

Swaziland is a developing country with a small

trading partners are the United States and the

economy. With a GDP per capita of US$9,714,

European Union.

it is classified as a lower-middle income country. The majority of the country’s employment is provided by its agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Swaziland receives over 90% of its imports from South Africa and it sends about 70% of its exports to South Africa. Swaziland has received trade preferences for apparel exports to the US

Public finances in Swaziland deteriorated in the late 1990s after large surpluses in the 1980s. Budget deficits occurred after revenues declined and spending increased. Recent rapid growth in SACU revenues has reversed the fiscal situation and sizeable surplus was recorded since 2006. Today, SACU revenues account for over 60% of total government revenues. The external debt burden has noticeably declined over the last two decades and domestic debt is almost negligible.

(under the African Growth and Opportunity Act – AGOA) and for sugar to the EU. As a result, exports from both industries performed well. Textile exports grew by over 200% between 2000 and 2005, while sugar exports increased by more than 50%. The Swazi economy is diverse and includes activities in agriculture, forestry and mining. Together these industries account for 13% of GDP. Manufacturing (textiles and sugar-related processing) represents 37% of GDP. Services

As a member of the Southern African Customs

constitute 50% of GDP.

Union (SACU) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), its main local

Swaziland’s mineral sector is still governed

trading partner is South Africa and its currency,

by a policy implemented before Swaziland’s

the Lilangeni, is tied to the South African Rand.

independence. After recent decline, a new

Swaziland is also a member of the United

mining policy is being drafted through a grant

Nations,

from China. Legislation to facilitate small-scale

the

Commonwealth

Nations,

the African Union, and the Southern African

mining has also been proposed.

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with firms from lower middle income countries,

dollars) in 2014 – of that 7.2% was from

but are hampered by inadequate governance

the agriculture sector. Sugarcane and sugar

arrangements and infrastructure.

products have the largest impact on GDP from the agricultural sector. Wood pulp and sugarcane

Agriculture Swaziland’s

landscape

were the largest exports of Swaziland up until of

contrasts

characterised by the forests of the Highveld in

2010 when the wood pulp producer shut down. Now sugarcane is the sole main export.

the north, the undulating hills of the Middleveld, and the levelling out of the subtropical Lowveld

Transport Infrastructure

in the south. These level plains are mostly used

Swaziland enjoys well-developed road links with

for agriculture as they account for 40% of the

South Africa. Swazi Rail operates its railroads

country’s total surface area.

that run east to west and north to south. The older east-west link is the Goba line, which

The Swazi economy is dual in nature, created

Most of the country’s high-value crops such as

exports bulk goods from Swaziland through

sugar, timber and citrus, are grown on Title Deed

the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. The

Lands (TDLs). These TDLs are characterised by

Mozambique conflict in the 1980s moved most

high levels of investment and irrigation – and

Swazi exports to South African ports.

therefore are highly productive. A north-south rail link was completed in

by high productivity in textile manufacturing Deed

About 75% of the population is employed in

1986 to connect the Eastern Transvaal (now

Lands, co-existing with declining productivity in

subsistence agriculture upon Swazi Nation Land

Mpumalanga) rail network and the South African

subsistence agriculture. Together with repeated

(snl) – which suffers from low productivity and

ports of Richards Bay and Durban.

droughts, this has led to overall low growth.

investment.

The Investment Climate Assessment found that

Swaziland is Africa’s fourth largest producer of

road infrastructure and roads are generally well

Swaziland firms are among the most productive

sugar – placing 25th for production worldwide.

taken care of – most especially leading into

in sub-Saharan Africa. They compare favourably

Swaziland’s GDP was US$8.621-billion (US

Mbabane. Public transport is the main means of

and

industrialised

agricultural

Title

Swaziland is known to have relatively good

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transportation in Swaziland and car ownership is low. The National Road Network has 1500km of main roads and 2270km of district roads. The RM3 road also includes a section, going from the Ngwenya border crossing, through Mbabane and until Manzini, with four lanes and has been upgraded as a motorway. This motorway section has a length of 56km. The Kingdom’s main airport is King Mswati III International Airport located at Sikhuphe, which has a 3,600m runway. The other paved airport is Matsapha Airport.

Tourism As a small landlocked southern African country, Swaziland is known for its nature reserves and cultural festivals. Swaziland offers a uniquely African experience in a friendly and safe environment. Due to its compact size, all Swaziland’s attractions are easily accessible – with nothing more than two hours’ drive from Mbabane. The Lubombo Mountains on the north-eastern border with Mozambique, running down to

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Swaziland’s numerous festivals celebrate its ancient traditions in spectacular style and are a great attraction. Adventure and leisure activities for visitors include horse riding, river rafting, golf and thermal spas. Swaziland offers the best of both worlds when seeking thrill and relaxation.

Parks, Reserves and Sanctuaries South Africa, provide magnificent scenery to

home to the oldest known mine in the world at

Swaziland’s many reserves are rich in biodiversity.

hikers in the Mlawula Nature Reserve, while

Ngwenya. Other historical sites are etched out

For African big game viewing at its best, Hlane

Hlane Royal National Park offers a diverse

across the country, mapping the trail of the early

Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve

wildlife experience – with sightings of lions,

colonies.

are the places to go, offering a variety of big mammals such as elephant, hippo, giraffe, zebra

hippos and elephants. Top attractions include the Swazi Cultural

and rhino. Mkhaya is one of the best places in

and

Village, Traditional Swazi Craft Markets, the

Africa to view black and white rhino and Hlane is

endangered rhino, while the rugged Highveld is

National Museum, Yebo Art Gallery, as well as

home to lion. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary has a

home to an array of rare birds. Swaziland is also

numerous trails.

similarly diverse offering of fauna.

The

wild

lowveld

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shelters

elusive

The Swaziland National Trust Commission’s Reserves are Mlawula and Malolotja. Mbuluzi is a private reserve and Malolotja is the place to go to view graceful eland – the world’s largest antelope. Many reserves can be explored without the use of a guide, allowing for an authentic wilderness experience in glorious settings.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swaziland www.southafrica-travel.net www.thekingdomofswaziland.com www.tripadvisor.co.za

Best of eSwatini

Best of Tinkhundla Government The Tinkhundla System of Government is a lot of things to a lot of people but it only means one thing to Swazis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Unity. As His Majesty King Mswati III and the country celebrates 50 years of peace and development the nation is encouraged to reflect and celebrate this achievement.

Since the strong winds of change blew strongly

we say deadly! In all but a very few countries

across Africa, beginning first in Ghana and

it has brought nothing but suffering, instability

then more recently closer to home in Namibia

and chaos. Postcolonial Africa up to now is

and South Africa, unity has been an elusive

still the poster child of political instability and

proposition for Africans. However, in all its 50

underdevelopment – long after it had gained

years, Swaziland has enjoyed nothing but unity

political independence.

and peace. This has very much been the result of strong diplomatic relations with the world but

This is not to downplay the influence and role

also due to the wisdom behind its home-grown

of competing economic interests which were

system of governance and Leadership.

and still are themselves informed by the winner takes all mentality. These vested interests have

Democratic systems around the world work

laid waste to our beloved Africa. All around the

because they are mainly tailored around local

continent covert operations by foreign agents

conditions and this cannot be truer for the

not too long after independence scrambled for

Tinkhundla System of Government. People

the spoils of the richest continent in the world. In

have traditions that should in reality inform their

the case of Swaziland this threat of political and

governance at grassroots level – for democracy

economic servitude emanated closer to home.

to work smoothly. Unfortunately this has not

This also being the case for most of the frontline

been the case with many postcolonial African

states namely Lesotho, Botswana, Angola,

states. Their political systems in many cases

Zambia and Mozambique.

were imported from the west and had no room for local characteristics and mechanisms so as

To fully appreciate the democratic idea behind

to benefit all local sections of society. To begin

the Tinkhundla System of Government you

with, most of these postcolonial countries were

have to first understand Swazi culture and more

already a cacophony of competing cultures

importantly neo-colonialism. At a time when

(as a result of the unnatural colonial borders)

most party politics were failing the peoples

barely coexisting with each other. This illusion

of the continent, the Swazi nation under the

of coexistence was quickly shattered however

Leadership of King Sobhuza II devised a system

by the ‘winner takes all’ systems of government

that sought to prevent social upheaval and the

imported from the west and imposed on

resultant outcome of a failed state. In all of this

Africans.

menacing Apartheid South Africa loomed large.

“When large sections of the population feel

“Umuntfu ngumuntfu ngebantfu”.

disenfranchised unrest soon follows.” As the last bastion of Bantu culture, Swaziland The winner takes all concept of government

is unique and interesting amongst postcolonial

has been very problematic for Africa. Dare

African countries because it embraced a system

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that centres on the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attachment to

It is this way of life that informs the Tinkhundla

What makes the Tinkhundla system unique

their land! Land is everything to Africans. Their

system of Government. Every homestead in

and sustainable is the ability to integrate this

way of life is defined by the land. They owe

Swazi culture is organised under a constituency,

indigenous and ancient constituency based

their humanity to land. How they governed

which in turn is made up of about five chiefdoms.

system of government with the newer western

themselves before imperialism is based on

This is called the Inkhundla. Chiefdoms are

Westminster style of government. Both systems

land. Without the land they become broken and

themselves then organised under the Monarchy,

are constituency based in their foundations. It

aggressive. But most importantly they lose their

the custodian of Swazii culture and thereby all

is this foundation, in the case of Swaziland, the

culture! Fortunately the Swazis woke up to this

Tinkhundla. Like the chieftaincy or homestead

Inkhundla, were primary elections take place

a long time ago and took steps to prevent this.

under it, the monarchy has a sacred place to

to produce the people that will then act as

engage and discuss matters of governance and

oversight in the western style parliament on the

nation importance.

western style executive arm of government.

remaining land at all costs. Under the leadership

This is the Sibaya were all the people from the

In essence Tinkhundla function as grassroot

of King Sobhuza II plans were set afoot to buy

different Tinkhundla congregate for national

primaries open to commoners and not just

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;back the landâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Once independent, the growing

matters.

elites.

This is the traditional Peoples parliament.

It is not a stretch to say that the people of

After losing swaths of land to the whites, the nation made means to hold on to their last

Swazi nation continued to settle on the land and hold on to their way of life.

Best of eSwatini

Swaziland found a functional balance and compromise informed by their very own traditions between the competing interests of modern and tradition systems of government. This compromise created a real democratic government for the people. A government that draws its functionaries from the common people themselves. A governance that is inspired by the people’s very own culture of Bantu social organisation yet satisfying all the functions of a modern western style state. This is the government that His Majesty King Sobhuza II in 1973 bestowed to the Swazi nation. It was and still is what you may call ‘Grassroots democracy’ with the king – trusted father of the nation – at the helm to maintain unity.

Best of eSwatini

The Peoples Parliament

Ever since, Swazi politics have continued to

you have its best interests at heart and not those

deliver unity and peace through diplomacy!

of an organisation; they vote for you to represent

This is the preferred Swazi way of conducting

them. Depending on how much of a landslide

politics. This political socialisation is very much

it took to elect you (meaning the people really

part of Swazi folklore. One illustration of this is a

have faith in you), you are then called to national

popular tale about how not too long ago when

duty and join the Parliament. This is different

the Swazis were being attacked by marauding

from the South African system of winner takes

Zulu warriors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hankered down in their cave

all for example where members of parliament

systems they reached out to the hungry Zulu

strictly represent organisational interests. The

impis by offering food and refreshments to win

politics of Swaziland at both national and local

them over diplomatically. Incidentally this also

level are about national duty and not about

contributed to the growth of the Swazi nation

elites competing for the Levers of power and

because a large numbers of the Zulus would

the ensuing largess. Part of this national duty

then defect to settle with the peace seeking

as mandated by the people themselves is to

Swazis rather that return to the unending blood

preserve the Swazi way of life and its customs.

thirsty ways of the Zulu nation at the time. As the nation celebrates its double celebrations, other

it is encouraged not only to appreciate the

parliamentary systems also promotes individual

phenomenal growth of Swazi Culture but also to

merit. If your constituency the Inkhundla believes

continue on the road of steadfast unity.

The

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Tinkhundla

system

all

Today Swaziland is a far cry from its roots as a rural backwater with the constant threat of being gobbled up by big brother, South Africa. Today, it is a modern state boosting world-class infrastructure and unusually high ratings on the UN human development index. Today Swaziland is known all around the world as a country that has maintained its colourful and rich traditions while many have lost theirs to so called development. On the continent, Swaziland is also the shining exception when it comes to the absence of bloody strife and social upheaval. Tinkhundla anyone?

By Sifiso Maseko

Best of eSwatini

Africa’s New Promise

Competitive Swaziland

The Kingdom of Swaziland with an official GDP of $4 billion and a population of around 1.1 million is classified as a lower middle income country by world bodies like the World Bank and IMF. This means that in the eyes of the world, Swaziland is a relatively developed country. What this also means is that it does not qualify for budget assistance extended to low income countries like our neighbour Mozambique for instance. It, Mozambique can have its national budget supplemented by donor funding but Swaziland does not receive such assistance. Swaziland has to raise all its budget from the taxes it collects and therefore devising home-grown strategies – like all other developed countries have done – to grow the economy is of paramount importance.

There is national and international consensus

The journey to lower middle income status,

(South African Customs Union). This economic

that the National Development Strategy and

started

when

enclave is one of the oldest in the world initially

the Investor Roadmap is the best blueprint

industrial pioneers laid the foundation for the

built around Gold mining in the Witwatersrand.

to help us achieve the national goal of first

country’s mining, forestry, manufacturing and

Swaziland is strategically located and within

world development and wellbeing. Within this

sugar industries. Today, the country boasts

close proximity in relation to its nerve centre

important strategic document is contained the

some of the best roads and water systems in

(Gauteng; South Africa) – a plus in its goal of

Millennium projects like the flagship ICC and

the world and continues to invest in such. For

achieving first world status and wellbeing.

5 star hotel currently underway at Ezulwini

example the country is embarking on a massive

and it is envisaged that once all the mega

railway project with South Africa to bring down

This advantage of location is also magnified by

infrastructure projects are complete the country

the cost of exporting South African coal to

being blessed and located within the highest

will start reaping the benefits of the NDS and

international markets.

rainfall belt in the region, making Swaziland

long

before

independence

one of the best watered countries in SADC.

Investor roadmap. One of the benefits of being

classified as a lower middle income country

It is therefore undisputable that another reason

It is all these factors that the government of

however is that the country is seen as enjoying

for our lower middle income status as country

His Majesty King Mswati III hope to leverage

sound liquidity and a stable microeconomic

and prospects of achieving full economic

to distinguish Swaziland as a bonafide bet for

environment. This means it is much easier to

development and wellbeing is premised on our

investors and home-grown investments. This is

borrow from multi-lateral organisations like the

further economic integration into the biggest

the same potential that the industrial pioneers of

World Bank and IMF.

economic enclave on the continent, SACU

yesteryears saw all that time ago.

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Notwithstanding, it is also Political stability that

His Majesty King Mswati IIIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream is for

has helped the country achieve prosperity thus

Swaziland to be a first world country by 2022

far. Peace and Unity has been the hallmark of

in both attitude and infrastructure development.

Swazi politics since time immemorial. Recorded

The millennium infrastructure projects which

Swazi history clearly illustrates the great lengths

include KMIII international airport, Sikhuphe

Swazi leadership went to attain peace and

Manzini Highway, Usuthu hydro project, Royal

coexistence amongst Swazis themselves and

Science and Technology Park, and soon to

with their neighbours. This allowed for the Swazi

completed ICC and 5 star hotel bring us closer

nation to remain intact throughout the colonial

to this dream.

period and emerge culturally preserved. Seeking

Best of eSwatini

peace and unity meant the Swazi way of life

Talks of making Swaziland a Tax friendly

was not smashed by the colonisers and when

jurisdiction are also at an advanced stage. It is

independence was attained helping the nation

estimated that if this were to happen, in 10 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

start out united and culturally robust. Today we

time the GDP of Swaziland could double and

see the benefits of this Swazi diplomacy which

keep accelerating. Re-engineering Swaziland

is still championed and continues to create a

into a regional financial centre, coupled with

politically stable Swaziland. It is this political

investment into the local agriculture and tourism

certainty that will be the pillar of economic

industries will undoubtedly turn Swaziland into

development for the next 50 years going forward.

the Switzerland of Africa. This would also benefit

the region by stunting the capital flight and

Increasingly, Swazi traditions are finding their

illicit flows from the continent to offshore

way into creative technology, music, film,

destinations.

publishing, performance and fashion thereby attracting ever more tourists and intellectual

Amongst all of these however, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

property income.

easiest win is Cultural tourism. As part of vision 2022 the government has prioritised and

In a nutshell, Swazis know what needs to

started to put money in its underdeveloped

be done to achieve first world status as

cultural industries. Having world renowned

conceived by His Majesty the King. As noted,

cultural attractions like the Umhlanga Reed

the country also possesses the natural DNA

dance and Incwala Ceremony gives the

to make this possible.

cultural industries of Swaziland the edge and kick start it needs. An example of this

As we celebrate His Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the

achievable potential is the Bushfire Arts

countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50 years, not only do we look back

Festival. Without the international reputation

with satisfaction but also look forward with

and image of Swaziland as cultural hotspot,

great expectation.

the festival would have struggled to scale to the heights it enjoys today on the world art festival circuit.

By Sifiso Maseko

Best of eSwatini

CHAPTER 1

Royal Family AND chieftainship

Savela eluhlangeni 2000 years in the making… This is a Swazi expression which translates as ‘We come from the reeds’.

Swazi tradition tells us that in order to cross the

around 1435. Dlamini I (founder of the royal

Magudulela however did not become King,

Limpopo River, the baNtu or more specifically

dynasty that rules Swaziland up to this day) then

because his mother was reluctant to be Queen

the Nguni fashioned rafts made from reeds.

came to power.

mother.

Oral history tells us that Dlamini I had two

sons, Mswati I and Mthonga – founder of the

tradition tells us she plunged Magudulela’s

The Nguni people known as the eMbo – which

Tsonga. It is said that Mthonga and his people

right hand into a pot of boiling porridge.

later was to form the nucleus of the Ngwane

(Tsonga) went on to establish the Tembe

Swazi custom unfortunately dictates that you

people – first settled between modern day

Kingdom that to this day inhabit southern

cannot use your left hand to rule the kingdom and

Maputo and the Lubombo Mountains. Around

Mozambique. The heir to Mswati I was Ngwane

is seen as an evil sign. Subsequently, Ludvonga

the 1300’s oral traditions tell us Nkosi I was

II, whose heir was Dlamin II who begot Nkosi II,

I, a son from another wife was crowned. Swazi

the leader of the eMbo. On his passing he

who was followed by Mavuso I who then begot

custom also dictates that the rightful heir should

was succeeded by his son Ngwane I who died

Magudulela.

have no brothers and consequently just before

To this day reeds play a central role in modern Swazi Culture.

Best of eSwatini

prevent

this

from

happening

oral

the coronation of Hlubi to succeed Ludvonga I,

the Ingwavuma River. It was at the Ingwavuma

his mother gave birth to a son. His half-brother

Royal

was then crowned as Dlamini III.

people initiated the tradition of Kuluma (first

residence

where

the

nguni

eMbo

fruits ceremony) or Incwala. To this day herbs By this time, the Portuguese had started to

necessary to the ritual are still gathered from the

establish themselves at Delagoa Bay which was

Ngwavuma region.

later renamed Lorenco Marques (known today as Maputo). Due to the expanding indigenous

King Ngwane III was born to laYanga Ndwandwe

population and some say, the dwindling herds

and King Dlamini III. His coronation was in 1750

of elephants from which ivory was increasingly

and he died in 1780, after reigning for 30 years.

Bay and in Natal – the latter as a result of the

being used to trade with the Portuguese, the

Facing increasing pressure from the Tembe

Great trek from the Cape colony. This tense

eMbo experienced upheaval. Though the eMbo

and now formidable Ndwandwe, Ngwane III

era gave us Emabutfo – age specific warrior

economy revolved around farming (cattle,

moved his people to the Shiselweni region of

regiments under the direct command of warring

goats, millet and sorghum) and forging iron,

modern day Swaziland. It was here that the

Nguni Kings.

the ivory trade had become very lucrative.

Swazi people acquired the name Bantfu Baka

Traditional historians tell us, that in pursuit

Ngwane (the people of Ngwane) and ever since

Near what is today known as the Town of

of elephants and because of the expanding

they have referred to the country they inhabit as

Nhlangano (as a result of King George VI of

Tembe Kingdom some clans moved south of

KaNgwane.

England visiting the area) Ngwane III built his ceremonial capital Zombodze. His administrative

the Pongola River into modern day Zululand, forming the Ndwandwe and Mthetwa tribes –

This arrival at the Shiselweni region can arguably

capital was called Hhohho at Mhlosheni an

tribes that were to later play an integral role in

also be seen as the initial consolidation of what

area between the Middleveld and Lowveld of

the development of the Swazi nation of today.

eventually became the Swazi nation. Another

Swaziland (eSwatini). This was an area good

consolidation of interrelated tribes albeit on a

for grazing thereby allowing the emaNgwane to

Forced away from his ancestral lands eventually,

larger scale was also to happen to the Zulus

grow stronger and prosper.

Dlamini III and his nguni eMbo people migrated

under Shaka as a consequence of the Mfecane

west along the Pongola River. As is the Royal

(the crushing). It has been argued that this

Traditional historians tell us that Ngwane III was

tradition government custom to this day, Dlamini

political reorganization was necessitated by

in the habit of killing his heirs, earning him the

III established two capitals on the Lubombo

population expansion, scarcity of grazing lands

praise ‘the mamba that lays twelve eggs and

Mountains – the administrative capital near the

and increased competition for resources due in

eats them’. Fortunately, after strong advice

Pongola River and a ceremonial capital close to

part to more European arrivals both at Delagoa

from his advisors he spared one young son

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King Sobhuza II

King Sobhuza

King Sobhuza I Skirmishes with the Ndwandwe and later

King Bhunu

the Zulu and Boers over the Pongola River and its fertile farmlands were to become the biggest threat to the fledgling Ngwane people of Sobhuza I. Unable to match the strength of the Ndwandwe, Sobhuza I decided to move further north after it became clear that amongst other things, marrying laZidze, daughter of King Zwide and making her his Principal wife did not guarantee his safety. Sobhuza I found it futile to go to war with a powerful adversary if winning was uncertain. As feared, Zwide did eventually attack the capital Shiselweni; burning it to the ground. Fleeing north, Sobhuza I to his good fortune found the Sotho tribes occupying the area disorganised and hastily conquered them, thereby expanding the emaNgwane. These conquered people were called Emakhandzambili (those found ahead). These included the Maseko, Magagula, Mnisi and Nkambule. Soon after, he then had to return to the scorched Shiselweni

and King Ndvungunye. His coronation was in 1815, and he died after a 23 year reign, in 1838. His reign incidentally coincided with the reign of Shaka and as a way of forming an alliance with the

Ndvungunye to continue the royal bloodline.

because the Mamba clan had alerted him to his

Zulu nation he married off two of his daughters

When he died he was buried in a sacred cave

brother Magwegwe’s revolt against his rule.

to King Shaka. By then the warlike Shaka was

on a mountain called eMbilaneni.

King Sobhuza I was born to Lojiba Simelane

the undisputed power in Southern Africa. After Deciding that Shiselweni was too close to the

defeating Zwide (Sobhuza’s nemesis), Shaka

King Ndvungunye was born to laKubheka

highly contested and volatile Pongola region,

had initially expanded his Kingdom south and

Mndzebele and his coronation was in 1790.

Sobhuza I permanently moved his operations

then west. Soon however he started eyeing the

His mother’s residence was Lobamba and his

to Lobamba and Langeni close to the Mdzimba

north from his kwaBulawayo capital.

administrative capital was Shiselweni. He died

Mountains – a formidable fortress replete with

suddenly in 1815 after being struck by lightning

deep caves good for retreat in times of war. The

Before he could cross the Pongola River, Shaka

but only after having fathered Somhlolo –

area soon became important for rainmaking

was assassinated by Dingane and Mhlangana.

crowned King Sobhuza I.

rituals eventually earning it the name eZulwini.

Sobhuza I however was not off the hook

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a II

because the Zulus under Dingane soon turned

Sobhuza I took the fight to a weakened Dingane

King Sobhuza’s I Prophecy

their attention north of the Phongola, attacking

and attacked. After three days of fighting the

Before passing away, Sobhuza I had a dream

Sobhuza I. The Mdzimba Mountains soon

Zulus fled. This was to be the biggest victory

about the coming of white people to kaNgwane.

earned its legendary status in Swazi folklore by

over the Zulus by the emaNgwane. As fate

After the dream he told his people that from the

saving him and his fledging nation. The Swazi

would have it Mpande, half-brother to Dingane

white people they should take Umculo (Bible)

King’s good fortune was further extended in

with the help of the Boers, revolted against the

and reject the Indilinga (Money). He also went

1838 when Dingane was subsequently defeated

bruised Zulu King and overthrew him.

on to say that these people’s blood must never

by the land hungry Voortrekkers at the Battle

be spilled because to do that would mean

of Blood River. To many observers, this defeat

Dingane fled over the Pongola River and took

complete destruction as a nation. It is thus

spelled the beginning of the end for the warlike

respite in the sacred Hlatikhulu forest. Learning

believed that this prophecy is the reason why

Zulus. Losing most of his territory south of the

of his whereabouts the emaNgwane mounted

the Swazi have never had outright war with

Tugela River to the Voortrekkers, it became

a pre-dawn raid and Dingane was speared to

the Europeans. By extension, because of his

more urgent for Dingane to expand north of the

death by Silevane of the Nyawo clan – who was

political achievements, modern Swaziland can

Pongola River. While putting final touches to his

also responsible for alerting Sobhuza I of the Zulu

rightly be seen therefore as Sobhuza’s I creation.

plan of conquering the emaNgwane at a military

King’s presence. Fearing reprisal, his death was

Mswati II who succeeded him and gave the

camp near the source of the Ingwavuma River,

kept a secret for 150 years by the emaNgwane.

enlarged nation his name, simply cemented this

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foundation by uniting various semi-autonomous competing units into one whole. King Mswati II was born to Tsandzile Ndwandwe (laZidze). His coronation was in 1839 and he died after reigning for 26 years in the year 1868. Mswati II established his capital at Ludzidzini and inherited at least 75 separate clans.

King Mswati II: Father of the Nation Mswati II’s greatest and enduring achievement was consolidating the conquered people’s different dialects and cultures into one unified whole – thereby creating what today is the Swazi nation. Being the most militant of Swazi Kings, it’s no wonder that he is also credited with Tinkhundla (organizing regiments through each Chief and then grouping chiefs into

fact that, once allegiance was assured, he

constituencies or Tinkhundla) – for better social

restored the authority of the conquered Chiefs

coercion.

and created ties of loyalty and friendship fortified by intermarriages.

King Mswati II’s military raids during his

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time, extended as far north as present day

When King Mswati II was repeatedly threatened

Zimbabwe.

however

by his contemporary the then Zulu King

was the extension of sovereignty rather than

Mpande (in cohorts with Malambula) – at one

acquisition of territory – demonstrated by the

time occupying the whole of Swaziland – he

His

military

strategy

first sought protection from the Boers (who

After the annexation of Natal by the British, the

These missionaries from the Free State built

themselves by now had been kicked out of Natal

Boers had moved to the eastern Highveld and

their first mission on the Mkhondvo River later

by the British in the war of 1843). However, they

initially established the Republic of Ohrigstad

renamed Mahamba (on account of the civil war

were reluctant to help so he decided to court

between the Crocodile and Oliphants River –

that took place there leading them to flee the

them (British) through Sir Theophilus Shepstone

Swazi territory since most of the tribes there had

country with their Swazi converts).

who finally used his influence to restrain the

sworn allegiance and loyalty to King Mswati II.

Zulus thereby preventing more Swazi refugees

This is also the same time Missionaries entered

Crown Prince Ludvonga was born to King

from flooding Natal – a growing headache for

the Kingdom after being invited by King Mswati

Mswati II and Queen Sisile Khumalo but he died

the British Authorities.

II (in order to fulfil his father’s dream of Umculo).

in 1874 as a minor shortly after being crowned.

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Meanwhile the newly crowned Cetshwayo (with

Far right: Queen Regent Dzeliwe –

the help of Mbilini) decided to conquer the Swazi

and on left young Sobhuza II

once and for all and fulfil a long standing Zulu ambition, but the South African Republic (ZAR) then entered the fray. Their real motive was that they did not want the strategic Swazi territory to fall into Zulu hands and hamper their plan of annexing Swaziland – their projected gateway to the sea. Forced to sign a treaty of ‘annexation’ with the ZAR because of the occupation that followed as a result, and with a top display of Boer firepower the Swazi soon turned to an old ally – the British. The British were themselves dreaming of a Confederation of Southern Africa and saw this annexation as a threat and thus sent a stern warning to the ZAR. A powerful ZAR was the last thing they wanted. However, the Boers stayed put. In 1877 to the delight of the Swazis, their friend Shepstone (Somtseu) finally prevailed over the Boers by annexing the ZAR on behalf of Britain. This meant the Swazis were now under

Before being crowned during the regency of

Indlovukazi in-waiting Sisile to avoid the instability

Tsandzile (Mswati II’s mother) in 1869 Marthinus

brought about by her son’s Ludvonga’s passing,

Wessels Pretorius (the first President of the

recommended for her to adopt Mbandzeni

In order to fulfil the dream of confederacy

South African Republic) proclaimed that they

so she could continue to be Indlovukazi while

the British also had to crush the vast Zulus.

were annexing Swaziland. The first of many

simultaneously extending Tsandzile’s regency

In 1879 the Anglo-Zulu war began. Without

annexation threats by the Boers. This period

until Mbandzeni came of age.

actually committing troops to the campaign

in Swazi history also heralded the arrival of

the ‘protection’ of the less feared British.

against Cetshwayo, Mbandzeni won praise for

concession hunters into the country and by

Born to Tibati Nkambule and King Mswati II,

loyalty to the British cause. In October of the

now the Boers had replaced the Zulus as the

King Mbandzeni ascended the throne in 1875.

same year the Swazi further cemented their

principal threat to Swazi independence.

He died in 1888 after reigning for 13 years.

growing friendship with the British when

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they played a decisive role in capturing King Sekhukhune,

another

stumbling

block

the British Confederacy. The song iNqaba kaNqofula was written to celebrate this victory and has since become a Swazi anthem to this very day. Overnight the Swazis became Britain’s principal ally in southeast Africa. For their trouble Swazi independence for the first time was then codified through the 1881 Pretoria Convention and then the 1884 London Convention.

Concession Fever For most of his reign Mbandzeni had been sidelined by the Royal council. After the crushing of the Zulu, ‘the quiet puff adder’ as he was to be later known, desperately needed to assert himself. This was a time when grazing lands and mineral wealth in the Kingdom were increasingly attracting concession hunters. Thus began the era of colourful and dodgy characters like Allister Miller and Landdrost Krogh. Border ruffians like Charlie DuPont and Bob McNab had also moved to Swaziland to get away from the Law and settled along the Lubombo (for easy access into Southern Mozambique).

was gripped by concession mania after the

Monarch had regrettably given away countless

discovery of Gold in the Transvaal and this soon

lucrative concessions and monopolies. In effect

poured into eSwatini.

most of the rights to the land and mineral wealth of the Kingdom by now had been swindled by

The Transvaal government (ZAR) was, at this time,

experiencing

These

challenges

widespread

corruption.

For his part, Mbandzeni needed outside help in

the concession hunters. Offy was to control

financial

dealing with these shrewd concession hunters.

all concessions and white affairs in general in

misappropriation to the misuse of concessions

Enter Theophilus ‘Offy’ Shepstone Jr. who in

his personal capacity however and not as a

and monopolies. The whole of South Africa

1887 was made advisor to Mbandzeni after the

representative of Britain.

ranged

from

Best of eSwatini

The final blow to Mbandzeni reign and health

Understandably, King Bhunu had an unflattering

Prince Nkhotfotjeni had not reached the age of

was tragically losing the eastern territories along

view of the foreigners who now owned his

maturity. Following the demise of King Bhunu

the Tembe River to the Portuguese. When he

country. During his time the third Swaziland

in 1899, she meticulously groomed Queen

died the Regent Tibati established the three way

Convention of 1894 between Britain and the

Lomawa Ndwandwe and the young Nkhotfotjeni

Provisional Government Committee (triumvirate)

ZAR, also resulted in Swaziland being officially

for their future roles as Queen Mother and King

to govern the Kingdom. By this time, the British

made a protectorate of the ZAR (in exchange

respectively.

were now more interested in Rhodesia than

for Rhodesia). This meant that the Transvaal

Swaziland whose monopoly concessions had

now collected all the taxes even though the

made it ungovernable and were willing to trade

King retained his position. English and Dutch

Swaziland for Rhodesia with the ZAR.

were now the official languages. Alcohol interestingly, was also strictly prohibited from

This was made all the more easier by the fact

being sold to Swazis. In 1895 the ZAR took

that most monopoly concessions i.e. Railway,

over the old triumvirate government offices in

Postal Service and Tax Collection had already

Bremersdorp (established by Regent Tibati) and

been sold to the ZAR anyway. This conquest

installed Johannes Krogh as the ZAR’s special

by concessionaires meant that Swaziland was

commissioner.

again a territory of the ZAR and would sadly loose its independence for the next 70 years

As if the earlier loss of the eastern territories

from then onwards.

along the Tembe River was not bad enough the British now incorporated the Trans-Pongola

King Ngwane V (Bhunu) was born to Queen

territories (Ngwavuma) into Zululand.

Gwamile Mdluli and King Mbandzeni. His

Royal Council remained neutral. The only time Swazis were involved in the war, was when David Forbes Jr (a concessionaire) led a British expedition that tried to destroy the strategically important Boer railway line to Delagoa Bay running across the Komati River in northern Swaziland. They were not successful. The Anglo-Boer war ended in 1902 with the defeat of the Boers and Swaziland was once again a British protectorate. Since Bremersdorp was destroyed during the war because of the antics of Steinacker (a German saboteur hired by the British to cause mayhem) the new British special commissioner Enraght-Moony and a

coronation was in 1890 and he died in

When the Anglo-Boer war broke out over the

police force of around 150 established a new

1899 after reigning for only 9 years. Besides

Witwatersrand, the government of Swaziland

capital near Mickey Well’s store on the banks

the loss of sovereignty, King Bhunu’s reign

was temporary restored to King Bhunu.

of the Mbabane River. Their first act of law

was also marked by his alleged involvement

Unfortunately he collapsed and died during the

enforcement was to ban the carrying of spears.

in the execution of Chief Mbaba Sibandze

Incwala a few months later.

King Sobhuza II

(who had been accused of stealing a leg of

While the Anglo-Boer war was raging on, the

an animal that had been sacrificed to the

During the period of 1889 to 1921, Gwamile

Nkhotfotjeni (meaning stone lizard because he

ancestors), as this sacrilege was considered an

was the Queen Regent in conjunction with

was born when King Bhunu was hiding from

act of witchcraft.

Malunge (brother to Bhunu) as the Crown

the Boers who wanted to prosecute him for

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Queen Lomawa Ndwandwe

killing a witch, Chief Mbaba Sibandze) son

When he was crowned, Sobhuza II built his

the first step and helped establish a multi-racial

of Ngwane V (Bhunu) and Queen Lomawa

residence at Masundwini as is the custom.

legislative council to administer Swaziland.

Ndwandwe was born on July 22nd 1899. On his

This also meant Gwamile stepping down

A 1961 report then recommended that all

coronation in December 1921 he was renamed

as regent and making way for Lomawa to

discrimination on grounds of race, creed and

King Sobhuza II.

become Indlovukazi. The visionary Regent

colour be removed from the laws of Swaziland.

Gwamile passed on in 1925 after serving two

While negotiating the Constitution of Swaziland

In 1907 the Land Partition Proclamation by

unprecedented

Mother

many Swazis dismissed the whole concept of

the British resulted in 56% of Swaziland being

Lomawa herself passed away in 1938 and was

political parties saying that they were irrelevant

designated as ‘Private European Land’ and

replaced by Nukwase as Indlovukazi. Nukwase

to the preferred traditional system of Royal

the rest British Crown lands held in trust for

then passed on in 1957, replaced by Zihlathi.

government. All the while the wise Sobhuza II

the Swazi nation. Meaning Swazis had no

During his 60 year reign, the charismatic

chose to remain above the fray as he felt it would

title over their own land. In reality, bit by bit this

Sobhuza II outlived three Queen Mothers.

be inappropriate for the King to take sides in the

regencies.

Queen

sectional interests of his people.

crown land was also being sold off to Europeans to pay for British administration. It soon

Throughout his reign Sobhuza II espoused

became clear to the Queen Regent Labotsibeni

peace, non-racialism and unity. He was also a

Eventually, elections took place in 1967 under

(Gwamile) that to get back the land, Swazis had

proud Swazi that worked tirelessly to regain the

a Swazi negotiated constitution and voters

to buy it back.

Kingdom’s independence.

roll. Imbokodzo National Movement won all

Before Mona (Sobhuza’s nickname on account

Beginning in 1940 and continuing the work

independence. Sobhuza proceeded to sign the

of the jealousy raging between British, Boers

of Regent Gwamile, King George VI of Great

Swaziland Protected State Agreement giving

and Swazis at the time) could become King,

Britain initiated the first of three Swaziland land

Swaziland full control over its internal affairs and

Gwamile wanted him to also learn the ways

resettlements after relentless petitions from

stipulating full independence before the end

of the white man and be better equipped to

Sobhuza II. The enlightened Sobhuza II then set

of 1968. This act also installed Sobhuza II as

deal with the ‘strange’ people who were now

up the Lifa fund to buy back more land for the

Ingwenyama and King of Swaziland.

“protecting” the Kingdom. With the blessings

Swazi nation. Though Apartheid South Africa

of Lord Kitchener, the first national school,

(not yet a republic) was still pushing for the

The ceremony was held on the site of the current

Zombodze was built and Joseph Xaba from the

protectorates to be incorporated into the Union,

parliament building!

Eastern Cape was dispatched as tutor for the

by 1960 it became clear that full independence

future King. After finishing his primary schooling

for Swaziland was inevitable.

the seats. What remained thereafter was full

the Cape to finish his education.

By Sifiso Maseko References: Fleminger, D; Swaziland,

the Queen Regent duly sent him to Lovedale in Sobhuza II with the blessing of Sibaya, took

Southbound Travel Guide

Best of eSwatini

NOT ALL KINGS ARE BORN EQUAL Most Kings reign over one nation but a special few like His Majesty King Mswati III as predicted by his birth name Makhosetive, reigns over many nations.

KING OF NATIONS

Lindimpi regiment had been flying for almost a

On the night of April 19, 1968, four children were

year.

born at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital – two boys and two girls. One of the baby boys

Prince Makhosetive was very active as a young

was the child of Ntfombi Tfwala, one of the

child and many people who knew him then, say

youngest Emakhosikati to King Sobhuza II.

he was full of energy and adventure – he liked challenges. He joined the Lindimpi regiment

As the country was preparing for Independence

while he was still young and first danced the

in four months’ time and with guests from over

national Incwala when he was only two years

42 countries from all around the world having

of age, in front of his father King Sobhuza II. He

accepted the invitation to the celebrations,

also joined other children in ploughing, weeding

where King Sobhuza II was expecting Kings

and harvesting royal fields at Mfabantfu, and

and Heads of State from many countries, he

also herded royal cattle whenever he had time.

decided to name his baby boy “Makhosetive”

He enjoyed hunting as a child - he hunted wild

(King of Nations). His birth was also six days

birds with his pellet gun and when he grew

before the first anniversary of National Flag Day

older, he went with King Sobhuza II to Butimba,

– when the blue, red and gold colours of the

to join the royal hunting party at Hlane.

Best of eSwatini

A Swazi monarch is known as Ngwenyama, meaning Lion in the country’s Siswati language

He enjoyed marching and drilling to the extent

in December 1982 at Phondo Royal Residence

that when he was four years old, he wanted to

and received a First Class with merit in

become a member of the Royal guard. A year

Mathematics and English.

later, his dream was fulfilled when he became the first young cadet to join the Umbutfo Swaziland

When King Sobhuza II passed away on August

Defence Force (USDF). He was later joined by

21, 1982, Prince Makhosetive was away on a

boys of his age. When he was not at school,

hunting mission given by the King and, on his

he spent his spare time training with soldiers at

return heard the sad news, which shattered not

Masundvwini Army Barracks near Etjeni Royal

only him and the nation but also the entire world.

residence where he resided.

Indlovukazi Dzeliwe then became the Queen Regent and Head of State.

In 1976 he started his formal education at Masundvwini Royal School (now known as

From the beginning Prince Makhosetive was

Masundvwini

was

destined to be King. Even before he was named

established by King Sobhuza II and Inkhosikati

Crown Prince, Prince Makhosetive was often

who, at that stage, had also cultivated an

LaMasuku in 1965 to teach royal children.

seen by his father’s side in many important

enduring taste for the sport – as he was often

King Sobhuza II used to spend time with him

official, ceremonial and casual functions. For

seen dancing Sibhaca with his friends at

telling him about the country’s progress and

example, when King Sobhuza II launched the

Masundvwini Primary School under the tutelage

development.

Lilangeni currency in 1974, at his side was

of one of the best coaches of the sport.

Primary

School)

which

Prince Makhosetive. When he went to visit the

Prince Makhosetive was popular at Lozitha

new Nhlangano Holiday Inn and Casino, at his

Unlike in other Royal systems, where the eldest

because of his academic excellence, as well as

side was Prince Makhosetive. So too when he

son automatically becomes the heir, that is not

his ability to resolve problems – and took part in

went to Ntfonjeni on his annual visit to watch

the case with the Swazi tradition. The man

the 1982 Science Fair in Siteki. He later sat for

the special Sibhaca Championships, often

(normally young) in order to be the heir, must

the Swaziland Primary Certificate examination

accompanying him was Prince Makhosetive,

qualify according to certain royal criteria. He is

Best of eSwatini

in fact selected by the inner council of the royal family only after the death of the King. No one therefore knows beforehand who is to be the next King. The news that Makhosetive had become Crown Prince to succeed King Sobhuza II, remained guarded for a long time. It was not until at least December, four months after King Sobhuza II was buried, that his name started filtering out of the Royal circles. It was thus at only 14 years of age that Prince Makhosetive was selected from among the other princes and whisked away to stay at the Phondo Royal Residence with his mother, then Inkhosikati LaThwala (before she was Queen Mother), while the three months mourning period remained in force.

Normal life Growing up, Prince Makhosetive lived a life no different from that of his peers. He played the popular sport soccer and liked hunting birds. Prince Makhosetive was also an enthusiastic feature in military drills, leading his own platoon of soldiers (young cadets). The young prince was often also a sought after dashing pageboy for several of his

Best of eSwatini

brother’s weddings. He was pageboy at Prince

Khula Mlisa

Bhekimpi’s ear in height. During subsequent

Mahlalengangeni’s wedding and again donned

The second visit home after the 1983 introduction

visits, they were the same height and when he

a black suit and bow-tie as pageboy for Prince

to Chiefs and the nation was during the

returned home, he was much taller and more

Phika when he too got married.

Christmas holidays. Each time the Crown Prince

confident than ever.

visited home, there would be great excitement Soon after becoming Crown Prince in August

throughout the entire nation, and his departure

“Khula Mlisa” was the cry that reverberated from

1982, the dashing Crown Prince was whisked

would be just as equally colourful at the airport.

people when he finally stepped out of the Royal Swazi plane, returning home for the coronation.

away to the United Kingdom where he was enrolled at the Sherbourne public school in

Not once during these visits home was he

Dorset, where he resumed his formal education

heard uttering a word and the public mostly

School days in England

in preparation for his future role as King.

did not know what his voice sounded like until

Umntfwana Makhosetive went off to school

his Coronation. He would occasionally be seen

in England in almost the same romantic way

When the Crown Prince went away to England

quietly chatting with the then Prime Minister,

in which his father King Sobhuza II, went to

a dark cloud befell the Nation. Traditionalist and

Prince Bhekimpi before flying off at Matsapha

Lovedale in the Cape Province (South Africa).

reformists went head to head. This infighting

Airport, but that would be all. During these visits,

Lovedale at the time was especially set up for

within the Royal family eventually resulted in

he would only communicate with members of

children of African leaders in the British Empire

Regent Dzeliwe being replaced by Queen

the public during the airport ceremonies by

in the Southern African region. Sherbourne

Ntfombi as regent. In the midst of this the

waving a hand.

School in Dorset, England, on the other hand, also claims distinctions in its own right, mainly

Crown Prince had to hastily return to be officially

‘shown’ to the nation. This calming effect meant

Many commentators observed that he was

as the school where one of the great English

the Crown Prince could then return to England

physically growing up fast and during his first

Kings, Albert the Great of Round Table fame,

to finish his grooming.

visit in 1983, he was slightly above Prince

was educated.

Best of eSwatini

Thanks to Umntfwana, today Sherbourne has a special relationship with Swaziland. For instance, in March 1988, the school appointed a Swazi as its principal. However, the reasons

It was also in England where Umntfwana’s

good social standing from Swaziland in a foreign

for sending him there in 1983 were the same

love for sportsmanship and music blossomed.

environment.

as those of 1917 – 66 years earlier – namely to

Never missing a chance to dabble in tennis

empower him to be better suited to deal with

and football during his spare time and playing

One of the boys who welcomed him to the family

the changing state of affairs brought about by

the piano was also at the top of his list. His

was Clifford Mamba. “The Crown prince was a

modernity. By all accounts it appears that even

schoolmates, who found the name Makhosetive

boarder but came to our place during school

with Crown Prince Makhosetive, there were

cumbersome, rechristened him ‘Mac’. He also

holidays. We were told by our parents about his

traditional elements who did not wish for him to

established a reputation for making good friends

coming to stay with us in advance and how we

sniff any Western or foreign influences. But the

for both himself and the country – some of his

were supposed to engage with him - basically

progressive elements prevailed.

friends even visiting him in Swaziland after his

to make him feel at home and as comfortable as

coronation.

possible. They wanted him to be a regular fellow and to just be himself.”

As part of his sojourn to Dorset, the Crown Prince received proper security facilities to protect

Holidays in England

him, including a top intelligence officer with a

During school holidays in England the young

Mamba added that his parents wanted the

security team. A group of boys of the Prince’s

Crown Prince would stay with the Mamba family.

prince to experience many things – they wanted

age, who were close to him, were also taken

Sir George Mamba was the High Commissioner

to expose him to different situations so that

along to stay with him. It was the responsibility

of Swaziland to England at the time. The family

later in life, he would be able to relate to people

of the Swaziland High Commission in London to

of five children was perfect for the prince

from all different walks of life. This would prove

ensure the maintenance of this ‘Swazi’ village.

enabling him to quickly acclimatise with peers of

to be prophetic! Mamba describes the King as

Best of eSwatini

someone who liked smiling a lot and said he

liked history a lot in terms of how things are, how

Lesotho High Commissioner’s residence – their

was indeed a likeable guy.

they happen and the way things were done in

neighbours – he accompanied them and when

the past.

he heard the music from outside, he said, “Cha

“He had a great sense of humour; he was also

titabe tibila lena.”

confident when discussing issues and would

As boys, they would stay up long into the night,

always pick our brains,” recalls Mamba.

chatting, playing games or watching movies.

Another of his traits they recall is how good

The Crown Prince was very competitive such

he is with faces. One time when they were out

Shy but inquisitive

that he would win most of the card games

shopping the Crown prince recognised a group

The Mamba family relates how when he first

they played such as ‘crazy-8’, casino, sisu and

of young men who were soldiers coming in their

arrived, the Crown Prince appeared shy,

many others. In terms of television, his mainstay

direction. This was on account that the future

probably because he was new in a foreign

was action movies such as Rambo, MacGyver,

King, enjoyed watching soldiers march when

country and was still learning to adapt to the new

amongst others.

in Swaziland and definitely recognised them as

environment. As they got to know each other,

Swazis. They quickly took a detour and when

his inquisitive side started showing as he was

What was also evident to them was that the

they looked back, the soldiers were also now

forever asking questions, wanting to learn more

prince was a very good dancer. He knew most of

walking in the opposite direction. They also had

and to know more about a range of issues –

the current moves and if he didn’t, the youngest

clearly recognised Umntfwana.

from childhood things to economic and political

of the Mamba brothers would teach him and

issues. In as much as he tried to be regular, they

he would pick up the moves fairly quickly. He

Royal Protocol

used to be unsure of how to treat him at times.

became good at break-dancing, moon-walking

During his stay in England, members of the royal

They however gave him respect and tried to give

and all the Michael Jackson dance moves that

family would occasionally send delegations

him as much space as possible. However, he

were popular at the time.

to monitor his progress and other matters affecting his upbringing. During this period of his

was one person who wanted to be engaged

and one did not know what to expect when

However he was not allowed to go to parties with

absence many members of the royal family and

discussing issues as he would surprise you with

them and they could tell this made him unhappy.

some Cabinet members continued to quarrel,

his eloquence. He also liked to talk politics and

One time when they did go to a party at the then

sometimes with disastrous consequences.

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It was towards the end of 1984 that the ‘Lusaseni’ became a household name among Speculation was rife with what he would have

and the start of the transition period. It was

those who were following events at Lobamba

liked to happen during his absence.

carried through the eastern gate to the new

and the royal household in general. In terms of

location, about a kilometre east, towards the

royalty, it is the home of the Crown Prince before

Mhlambanyatsi River.

he becomes iNgwenyama.

A year later (1984) to counter such speculation it was decided that a Lusasa be built for the

Crowning at the cattle byre

future King at Ludzidzini (later to become the

While

new Royal residence) – to mark his transition

regiments sang traditional songs used in the

Many believe that the coronation of King Mswati

from boyhood to manhood. Lutsango was to

past as marching songs by regiments on their

III happened when he appeared at Somhlolo

start cutting the grass for the thatching of the

way to battle. They sang throughout the walk to

Stadium on the 26th of April 1986 to read his

new home, according to custom. Tingabisa

the new Lusasa where the hut was reinstalled

maiden speech; but in truth the coronation

were also to be summoned later, for the first

whole.

happened the previous day, on the 25th, inside

they

carried

the

Indlunkhulu,

the

ceremony of Umhlanga (Reed Dance) since

the royal cattle byre at the then Lusaseni.

1981 as during the mourning period, such

Ingwenyama

royal festivities were banned. Meanwhile, the

Custom dictates that the future Monarch should

On this day tons of logs cut from all over the

regiments started cutting and fetching logs for

never enter the same home where his father had

country had been used to expand the kraal

building houses and the Royal Kraal.

lived. According to tradition, the future Monarch

almost threefold to accommodate the almost

of Swaziland should also never touch items

10 000 people that attended. As soon as the

which were touched by his father.

trombones were sounded the kraal was quickly

The actual move from the old Lobamba to Ludzidzini started with the removal of the

filled to the brim.

Indlunkhulu. This is the hut that belongs to

While his Lusasa (for him and his mother, who

the King’s principal wife, laMatsebula. The hut,

was to become Indlovukazi) was being prepared

After an hour of regiments chanting ancient

which has the traditional reed wind barriers is

Crown Prince Makhosetive was taken away to a

songs of Kingship, the Crown Prince entered

renewed every year to keep the royal residence

special place where he underwent certain Royal

Sibaya from the western gate reserved for the

looking impeccable. It was broken down for

rituals. This special home eventually became

Royal family. He headed straight for the special

the first time to mark the end of an old era

eLusaseni.

enclosure to which the King and the special

Best of eSwatini

priest of the Mkhatshwa clan are allowed. Later he departed the enclosure and left the kraal through the western gate, and headed for the inner regions of the Royal residence as the regiments continued to sing and dance. When he returned for the second time, he was dressed in the ceremonial regalia of a King. Fully dressed up, the King sported a massive headdress of black feathers of the sakabuli (widow bird). The King’s headdress also had flowing plumes on both sides of the head and

regiments surged forward in a cloud of dust to

weather was also invariably acting in concert

three huge white feathers of the purple crested

beat their shields on the ground, in a traditional

with the nation’s spirit, said many commentators.

Loire bird, Ligwalagwala and wearing the skin

show of allegiance. This also included each of

of a fully grown leopard, the King stood before

the princes present, blood brothers of the new

Many will remember that the first week of April

the regiments.

monarch, each stepping forward to beat their

was one of the coldest, with that perpetual

shields before the new King.

Swazi drizzle which makes life a misery yet dreamy. Among those who attended the

Senior prince of the Royal Residence, Prince Mboni was officiating and with him was the royal

The Coronation was a big day

welcoming party was Prince Charles and Prince

family and the Queen Mother. Standing before

On the morning of April 26th 1986, magic was

Michael of Kent, who represented the British

the almost 10 000 strong regiments who kept a

in the air. The whole country was on its feet –

Throne at the coronation, were shivering at

deadly silence, the Crown Prince Makhosetive,

marching to Somhlolo National Stadium, where

the British Residence at St Michael’s Road.

flanked on either side by all his brothers, raised

the nation was eager to see for the first time the

However, on the big day the clouds and the

his right hand and repeated after Prince Mboni

King who had been crowned the previous day.

mist blew away and disappeared south, leaving behind conditions which mellowed into a cool to

the pledge that he would lead the Swazi nation “with all his strength and be justly”.

People showed up at the stadium in their

warm afternoon.

thousands, on foot, on trucks and on whatever

Prince Mboni then announced that Prince

had wheels that day. Somhlolo had received,

There were many invited guests who showed

Makhosetive was now King, and from then

over the past months preceding the coronation,

up for the coronation at the stadium. Almost all

on, was to be known as King Mswati III.

special renovations to accommodate as many

the countries in the world were represented as

A thundering roar of BAYETHE ensued as

of the expected multitudes as possible. The

a matter of fact.

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I have pledged myself to your service, and

Your Majesty the Indlovukati

throughout my life and with all my heart, I shall

Your Majesties Your

Excellencies,

Heads

State

and

try to be worthy of your trust.

government Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic

In this resolve, however, I can only be inspired

Corps

by the loyalty and counsel of those who’s King I

Distinguished guests

have been called upon to be.

Ladies and gentlemen! A King is a King by his people. It is hard for me to find words in which to welcome you all to this occasion. Many

This is the theme of our social and political

thousands of you have come here from all

thought, a sacred part of our way of life outplays

regions of this Kingdom, and from many parts

this principle; we will go forward together in

of the world, to join in the ceremony.

peace, seeking justice for all mankind.

It is my special privilege to welcome the Heads

Although my experience is short and I am new to

of State and government who have, by their

this task, I have my predecessors, an example I

presence here, graced this occasion. I am

can follow with certainty and confidence.

conscious, too, of the thousands of other people who are sharing in these ceremonies by

I also have behind me, not only the sacred

means of radio or television in their homes. The

traditions and customs of centuries, but also

knowledge that all of you, near and far, are by

the living strength of people united in spirit and

God’s will, united in spirit and purpose, gives me

in aim.

strength to face the challenges and tasks that lie ahead.

Accordingly, I will continue to protect and preserve our revered traditional institutions,

Prince Michael was there to represent Queen

Following upon various traditional ceremonies,

allowing them to develop in line with our cultural

Elizabeth just as he did previously at King

spread over nearly three years, I have now

evolution.

Sobhuza’s funeral. The United States was represented by Maureen Reagan. Leading the elders of Africa, seated in the front row, was Kenneth Kaunda, who also spoke on behalf of the continent. President Samora Machel, from Mozambique, sat beside President Pieter Botha of South Africa, President Quett Masire

been called upon to assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty. Throughout that

In addition, I will work to strengthen the hands

memorable period, I have been encouraged and

of friendship that already exist between this

sustained by the knowledge that your thoughts

Kingdom and the international community.

and prayers are with me and the Indlovukati. For the years that I may, by God’s grace and I have been aware all the time that my people

mercy, be given to reign and serve you as your

at home and abroad were united to support me

King, I shall endeavour to work, as my father did

a close friend of King Sobhuza II. King Bereng

in the task to which I have now been dedicated

throughout his reign, and to advance the unity,

Seiso Moshoeshoe II also graced the occasion.

with such solemnity. The ceremonies you

happiness and prosperity of my people.

The King from the Kingdom of Lesotho had been

have witnessed in the two days are ancient,

a close friend who often visited King Sobhuza II

and some of their origins are now veiled in the

I pray that God will help me to discharge worthily

and delivered a speech at the coronation, as did

shadows of the past.

this heavy task that has been laid upon me so

of Botswana sat in the front row at the space once reserved for President Sir Seretse Khama,

early in my life.

President Samora Machel. But their spirit and their meaning still shine However, the highlight of the afternoon was the

through the ages, particularly in today’s world

speech delivered by the new King, His Majesty

where splendid traditions have been lost or

King Mswati III;

tarnished by history.

God bless you all.

Best of eSwatini

KING OF NATIONS

taking control the King disbanded the Liqoqo

after independence most leadership on the

In September later that year as is the custom

– which had been part of the infighting and

continent was imposed to serve neo-colonial

with all new Kings so as to officially assume the

followed this up by reshuffling the cabinet.

interests and not those of the indigenous

throne and perform his first Incwala the King

More reforms where to come as the King

people.

married his first wife from the Matsebula clan.

tried to walk a fine line between tradition

Thus the new King moved from his Lusasa to

and modernity – notably streamlining the

This is the reason many nationalities can

his Sigodlo finally assuming full Kingship.

Tinkhundla System of Government. The most

today call Swaziland home. All nationalities

enduring of his immediate reforms however,

both black and white are welcomed with

In African culture your name is your destiny.

was appointing a Constitutional Review

open arms as days of old. This shouldn’t be

Being the King of a Nation is hard enough,

Commission in 1996 – resulting in a new

surprising since Swazi culture is as old as

but being the king of many nations is nearly

Constitution for the country in 2006.

Africans themselves. In both practice and spirit therefore Mswati is the true custodian of the

impossible. But true to his birth name –

Makhosetive – King Mswati III has lived up to

From the onset however, King Mswati III

his name.

represented much more than just Head

diminishing African spirit of hospitality.

of State of Swaziland, he represented the

King Mswati III is indeed ‘King of nations”.

During the Regency of Dzeliwe and then Queen

aspirations of many Africans from around the

Happy 50th wena waphakathi!

Ntfombi there had been much strife leading to

continent and the world at large. Unity and

His Majesty’s coronation. Immediately after

African identity. This speaks to the fact that

Best of eSwatini

By Sifiso Maseko

Best of eSwatini

Indlovukazi Queen Mother Ntfombi “It has always been my dream as Mother of the Nation, to uplift the standard of living of our people. Women in the rural areas, have to a large extent, been left behind and it has been a lifelong desire to improve their lives. As a nation, we should all put our heads together, move forward and sustain the peaceful conditions and security of purpose that we have enjoyed over the years. Peace is a rare commodity which should be guarded jealously by all. I cannot over emphasize the fact that culture remains our true identity as a nation, and it is through such identity that we are a model of what Africa originally was. At the same time, we embody the dynamism of our time. This is our country, the one and only we have.”

On the footsteps of Queen Regent labotsibeni on the contribution towards development

allow her son, Bhunu, to go to school so he

Indlovukazi Labotsibeni, popularly known

learn the White man’s culture, lest he should

as Gwamile, made significant contributions

discard his own and adopt a foreign one.

could communicate with the Boers without assistance of an interpreter. She flatly refused; saying there was no need for her son to

towards the country’s development and the liberation of the Republic of South Africa. She

The loss of Swazi nation land through the

was very courageous indeed.

notorious land concessions taught her a lesson; that the pen was really mightier

At the time when white people began to

than the sword and that dependence on

arrive in large numbers in the Kingdom of

interpreters was not necessary. She thus

Swaziland she had a son and named him

ordered her grandson Mona (His Majesty

Bhunu, and like his father King Mbandzeni, he

King Sobhuza II) should go to school, and

was illiterate. It was suggested to her that she

he did.

Best of eSwatini

For that, Zombodze Primary School was established not only for the education of members of the Royal household and Chiefs; but commoners as well. Matsapha High School was established in 1932 after her death in 1925. Indlovukazi Labotsibeni also laid the foundation for

adult

education

Zombodze

Royal

Residence where a certain white lady Mrs. Bretchtenbach organised Swazi women and taught them weaving skills. On the economic front she established the Lifa Funds whose

other things means there would be no King

through massive national consultations that the

purpose was to buy back land that had been

without the Indlovukazi, and the Monarchy as an

King and Indlovukazi get to know the pulse of

â&#x20AC;&#x153;grabbedâ&#x20AC;? by the white settlers through the

institution would be incomplete without her. In

the nation pertaining national decision that may

intrigues of imperialism. With respect to

the present case, the incumbent Indlovukazi is

have to be taken. Swaziland is also blessed

international relations she aligned Swaziland

the biological mother of His Majesty King Mswati

with a leadership that holds strongly to Christian

with the South African National Native Congress

III. A King becomes King after the identification

values.

(SANCC), now the African National Congress

of his mother as the qualifying Inkhosikati of the

(ANC).

departed King to become the Queen Mother

Succession

and may be the Regent until her son comes of

It is important to understand that not everyone

age to be anointed as King of the Swazi Nation.

qualifies to be in the most senior royal grouping

The mother of our nation Apart from being the pillar of strength to our

of Princes (Ligunqa Lebantfwabenkhosi) that

leader His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty

Her official residence is presently Ludzidzini Royal

may choose the next Indlovukazi, who would in

Indlovukazi has ensured a successful crusade

Residence, which by normal standards would

turn be the mother of the Crown Prince. Only

to assist the under privileged members of Swazi

be referred to, as the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parental home. It

senior Princes and Princesses from Senior Royal

society. Despite all the challenges which one

is at Ludzidzini Royal Residence that all national

households, including the governor, qualify to

encounters when on the throne Indlovukazi has

events and meetings are held. The Indlovukazi

undertake this important, heavy task.

stood firmly on her feet and has never forgotten

is an instrumental figure in the preservation of

to acknowledge the importance of teamwork,

culture, particularly for women. She is always

They are expected to do so without fear or

respect and humbling oneself.

at the forefront in the drive to enhance culture

favour for the future and stability of the country.

and never misses a chance to instill to young

It must be explained that a Swazi King should

Her Majesty the Indlovukazi is at the centre of

children that culture is the future and identity of

not have a biological brother. He should be the

the nucleus of the Swazi Nation and its culture.

the Swazi nation. His Majesty the Ingwenyama

only son of the chosen Inkhosikati, who would in

By virtue of being the mother of the nation,

also does that. The two complement each other

turn be the Indlovukazi.

she is seen as the central figure in the cradle

in holding the country together as the unifying

of culture and traditions and the core fiber of

figures of the nation looking upon them as the

Farming

sacred rituals of the Swazi people. This, among,

God anointed guides of national direction. It is

Despite the security and protocol present at

Best of eSwatini

the Royal Residence, Indlovukazi is determined

social development. Indlovukazi has always

from businesses, the public sector, the NGO

to set a good example for the Swazi Nation by

emphasised the need for Swaziland to forge

community and other entities to address this

displaying a spirit of self-reliance and hard work.

and maintain strong ties with other nations. She

challenge.

Her Majesty is thus actively engaged in farming

has always spoken about peace and global

within the corridors of the Royal Residence.

harmony.

The organisation caters for the holistic needs of the vulnerable elderly and children, such

The queen through her farming projects sets a great example that through minimal or organic

Women empowerment patron

as the provision of food, medical assistance,

farm inputs one can succeed in farming thus

Her Majesty Indlovukazi is patron head of

clothes, school uniforms and burial facilities for

providing food for their families.

all women in the country and their main

those who may lose their lives or loved ones.

regiment known as Lutsango LwakaNgwane.

The organisation is indeed credited with having

The Queen’s special relationship with the soil has

Indlovukazi has fought hard to push the agenda

revived hope in the lives of our senior citizens

promoted the spirit that no one is forced to join

of empowering women and achieving the

and other vulnerable sections of the Swazi

her in the fields and whoever comes around to

goals of Lutsango. It is through Lutsango that

society.

assist does so at their own volition. Indlovukazi

Indlovukazi has reached out to empower rural

produces healthy traditional food which includes

women in the Kingdom. She has time and again

In 2015 Philani Maswati launched a record

groundnuts, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes,

reminded the nation that the cornerstone of rural

breaking attempt to be featured in the Guinness

maize and tinhlumaya. The Queen juggles her

development and economic empowerment was

World Records by organizing a Charity braai

time also on the raising of indigenous chickens,

through Lutsango.

event which would have seen a total of 3 000 people braaing simultaneously for 30 minutes.

rabbits, goats and cattle.

Following the event’s success at the launch, the

Diplomacy

Philani Maswati Charity Organisation

In recent years Her Majesty Indlovukazi has

The organisation was formed by the Indlovukazi

event which is now staged annually on July 22.

forged relations with other women leaders

to address the sad plight of the poor and the

around the world. The Smart-Partnership

elderly scattered around rural Swaziland. Seeing

Global Initiative bestowed upon her a gold

that the elderly faced some serious problems,

Khulisa Umntfwana (raising the Swazi child)

medal in appreciation of her role in the country’s

the Indlovukazi set out to mobilize resources

Indlovukazi’s vision of a healthy Swazi nation

organisation declared the event as a national

Best of eSwatini

is not only limited to charitable input, but it is also her determination to see the Swazi nation having vibrant young men and women, guided by strong moral values grounded in life saving cultural traditions. Khulisa Umntfwana aims at supporting children and parents in the reinstatement, instilling and strengthening of positive cultural and moral ethics and values in their child rearing practices, role modeling and full commitment to their responsibility of parenting. Indlovukazi during her national courtesy visits and charity work has expressed concern on the increasing reports on sections of the country’s youths bad behavior which includes amongst other things early sexual relations, teenage pregnancy, exposure to STIs and HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. It was then that Her Majesty launched the

finds international markets. The quality is not

approved gel to make fire. The gel is identified

compromised and always meets international

as an alternative energy source which is used on

standards.

a specifically manufactured stove of good and

organisation in 1998 and during the launch Her

Swazi secrets

issue of HIV/AIDS.

Her Majesty again propelled by a desire

Swaziland trading house This entity was established to facilitate reliable markets for rural folk products. Her Majesty Indlovukazi emphasised the need to help them find good markets for their wares. This came about after she raised concern about some unscrupulous individuals who had taken advantage of the plight of rural folk to short change them.

to empower rural women, promoted the

Swaziland Women’s Economic Empowerment Trust (Sweet)

commercialisation of the Marula fruit. It all started

This project was established in 2008 by Her

as a dream to assist poor women generating

Majesty the Queen Mother, in her capacity as

an income from the natural products that

the Patron for the National Social Dialogue,

grow around them. With poverty being a major

with the objective of establishing a Woman

challenge in the rural areas, she saw the need

Empowerment Fund or a “Women’s Bank”.

to use what was readily available to generate

The formation of SWEET was a responsive

income for the people. Swazi Secrets uses the

machinery to address the socio-economic,

Marula fruit to produce world-class beauty and

development challenges faced by women, in

health products that are sold all over the world.

rural communities in particular.

Cultural industries like handcrafts have been

Today, these products are highly sought after

identified among the key industries with high

both internationally and within Swaziland for

The vision of SWEET is to uplift the lives of

export potential mainly benefiting rural women

their organic properties.

all Swazi Women by creating wealth through

and the youth, increasing the potential of their

their effort, irrespective of their backgrounds.

craft to change their economic status and

Greenheat products

SWEET facilities; links, monitors, evaluates, and

livelihoods.

The product’s introduction was jointly officiated

coordinates with existing women empowerment

in the country by His Majesty King Mswati III

and poverty reduction initiatives and to bring

the

and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi. The products

into the mainstream the unbanked grassroots

products in bulk at competitive prices and

are environmentally friendly and use an expert

rural community of women.

Swaziland

lasting quality.

Majesty expressed her deep concern on the

Trading

Best of eSwatini

House

purchases

Mother Ntfombi, Indlovukazi of Swaziland. The

African Heads of States recognition. Recently

Queen Mother was awarded for, among others,

whilst on official duty the Queen had the honor

her leadership in various agricultural innovations

of being awarded with the medal of the Grand

in Swaziland. These include the mushroom

Cross of the Order of Independence of the

farming project which was initiated on her

Republic of Equatorial Guinea by the Head

request and was run by TICA in cooperation

of State of Equatrorial Guinea, H.E. Obiang

with

Foundation

Nguema Mbasango. The event, which took

and Swaziland’s Ministry of Agriculture and

place in the People’s Palace in Malabo on the

Cooperatives. The project addresses food

evening of June 6, 2012 and was attended by

The key basic principles guiding SWEET are:

security and generates income for the country’s

various personalities, among whom was the

• Ensuring training accompanies lending

farmers and creates jobs for local women.

First Lady of the Nation, Constancia Mangue de

Thailand’s

Phra

Dabos

Obiang, as well as the First and Second Vice

• Integrating social intermediation • Instilling a culture of saving-mobilisation, by

Indlovukazi also secured a goat market for

Presidents of the Republic, Ignacio Milan Tang

so doing reducing the culture and perception

Swazis in the Seychelles. As part of these

and Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

of depending on subsidies

initiatives, Swazi goat breeders export their

• Levying minimal interest rate

goats to the Seychelles. The Swazi indigenous products project of the Queen Mother. This

Our present and past mothers of the nation

helps poor rural Swazi women to generate

• Ntfombi Tfwala

income from natural products. It is now owned

• Dzeliwe Shongwe

by member groups of rural suppliers and also

• Seneneleni Ndwandwe

assists with social development by supporting

• Zihlati Ndwandwe

It is envisaged that SWEET will play a pivotal role

self-help

• Nukwase Ndwandwe

as an apex organisation in influencing women

programme.

• Equity

participation

where

possible

members • Graduating the matured micro-enterprises into the formal banking sector

groups

and

rural

livelihood

• Lomawa Ndwandwe • Labotsibeni Mdluli

policies through advocacy and lobbying in consultation with interveners on the ground. It

In her joint ruling of the country with the King,

• Tibati Nkambule

is recognised that women need secure financial

the Queen Mother is regarded as a spiritual and

• Sisile Khumalo

services which can enable the poor to borrow,

national head of state, with real power counter-

• Tsandzile Ndwandwe

save, build assets, increase incomes and

balancing that of the King and is a Companion of

• Lojiba Simelane

overcome the poverty trap in the long run.

the Commonwealth Partnership for Technology

• Lokubheka Mndzebele

Management.

• Loyaka Ndwandwe

Honoured for leadership role in development

Grand cross honour

The award for Food Security Policy Leadership

The Queen’s effort on development has not

Award was awarded to her Majesty, Queen

only been limited locally but has attracted fellow

Best of eSwatini

CHAPTER 2

PHILANTROPHY AND ICONS OF SWAZILAND

“Swazi Milling 1959” The first business and birthplace of the Kirsh Group

Young Kirsh in the fields

Kirsh Holdings/ Swaki & the Kirsh Family Foundation Natie Kirsh is the Kingdom’s most well-known businessman and certainly the most generous private philanthropist the country has known. His route to success and wealth started in Swaziland, exactly 60 years before the celebrations marked by this book. While Natie has lived outside Swaziland since the mid-1970’s, he remains a Swazi citizen. He visits each year, often with his extended family, and maintains a house in Ezulwini. He remains in control of Kirsh Holdings/Swaki and directs its affairs from wherever in the world his business takes him. He has often expressed his wish to retire one day to his Swazi home. These days, Natie’s focus has been increasingly on giving back to the country where he made his independent start in business. For a number of years, no dividends have been paid from his Swazi interests and all profits are used for philanthropic purposes in the Kingdom. In addition, the Kirsh Family Foundation brings in large amounts of funding to supplement Swaki’s own philanthropic activities. Natie is that remarkable person: someone who hands out more than he receives in the Kingdom.

Best of eSwatini

Seedlings at Farm Chemicals

Natie’s 60 year love affair with Swaziland is a

He cajoled his brother, mother, bank manager,

story of passion, perseverance and boldness:

friends and potential investors to back him and

exactly the characteristics he encourages in the

returned triumphantly to Swaziland with the

18,350 (and still growing) Swazis he has helped

necessary funds to begin the business.

start businesses in the Kingdom. The founding stone of Swaziland Milling was It is a story worth telling as one small part of the

laid in February, 1959: it can still be seen in

history of Swaziland in its recent past.

Manzini today, at the premises of the very same company.

Maize Milling Natie arrived in the Kingdom for the first time in

That first season the rains fell in abundance

July 1958. He was just 26 years old.

and the farmers came from far and wide with a record crop, totally overwhelming the new

Natie was on a fact-finding mission to learn if

business and its warehouse capacity. Natie had

there was the possibility to open a sorghum

committed to buying all the Kingdom’s crop and

brewery – which had been his father’s family

he was as good as his word, even though it

being built in the new township of Coates Valley,

business in his home town of Potchefstroom in

meant sinking deeper into debt.

the family lived in that 70 square metre flat which doubled up as Natie’s office during the day.

South Africa. The British colonial government of the time in Mbabane advised him that the malt

Improbably, the business made a profit of

industry had been reserved for returning soldiers

under 100 pounds that first year, increasing

Expansion

from the 2nd World War, but did he perhaps

exponentially in the years that followed. The

Meanwhile, with the maize milling under control

know anything about maize milling? The answer

gamble had paid off and Natie – and his nascent

and bringing him into contact with farmers, he

was, “No, but I’m willing to find out”.

Swazi business – was up and running.

realised that there was an opportunity to meet the demand for all agricultural inputs such

At that time, there was no maize mill in Swaziland

For the first 6 months of his life in Swaziland,

as seed, fertiliser, tractors and sprinklers. His

and all the country’s maize harvest was first

Natie commuted by car back and forth between

access to most of the nation’s shopkeepers,

exported to Natal, where it was milled and then

Manzini and Potchefstroom, a distance of

and his reputation as an honest, professional

re-imported back into Swaziland for sale. The

over 500 kilometres, so that he could spend

operator, allowed him to expand beyond maize

government wanted to create its own milling

weekends with his family in South Africa while

to a whole range of products to a point where he

capacity but they needed an investor to operate

living space was being built in Swaziland. That

very quickly became Swaziland’s pre-eminent

it. They were offering a 5-year monopoly on the

would be a feat of endurance even today, with

entrepreneur and business owner, with an

condition that the operator had to guarantee to

highways. Imagine the challenge in the late

empire that stretched into most facets of the

buy all the maize produced by Swazi farmers at

1950’s, when the only tarred road in Swaziland

Kingdom’s commercial environment.

a purchase and sale price fixed by Government.

was a 100 metre stretch outside the Resident Commissioner’s office in Mbabane.

satisfy

the

financial

requirements

customers when buying tractors, trucks and

Over the next 7 months, Natie completed a hurried feasibility study and then, deciding to

Finally, at the end of 1959, a tiny flat was

cars, he created a finance company, which

take the plunge, set about raising the 100,000

completed above the office at the mill and Natie

evolved into a bank – Union Bank of Swaziland

pounds he would need to build the mill and

was able to at last move his wife Frances and

– and thereafter arranged for Standard Bank of

warehouses and the operating capital to tide

their two girls Wendy and Linda to Swaziland.

South Africa to establish itself in Swaziland by

him over the first season. Natie owned an

The flat still exists today as offices of Swaziland

taking over Union Bank, with Natie retaining a

inheritance from his father of 1,200 pounds.

Milling. For 2 years, while a new house was

share.

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Natie, Chairman of SEB

Social Responsibility

SEC’s Ezulwini Hydro Plant

running a major service business, with a heavy

became the first President of the Federation

dependence on excellent professionals. This

of Swaziland Employers and Chamber of

Swaziland Electricity Board

was a lesson he took to heart throughout his

Commerce (FSE and CC). As Chairman of the

While developing his business interests and

subsequent

surrounding

Manzini Club in 1964, Natie successfully steered

making a substantial contribution to the job

himself with the best talent and always

the campaign to rescind the ‘’Whites Only’’

creation needs of the country, Natie Kirsh also

remaining open to advice from his subordinates,

policy, converting the club into a truly multi-racial

took on broader responsibilities to society.

and with a thorough respect for those with more

sport and social facility, open to all.

He became the unpaid chairman of Swaziland

technical knowledge than himself.

business

career,

The breadth of his skills and the extent of

Electricity Board – forerunner to the present Swaziland Electricity Company: he held the

He recalls having to be lead negotiator at the

commitment to his new homeland brought Kirsh

position for 21 years voluntarily accepting

age of 32 in discussions with the World Bank on

to the attention of His Majesty King Sobhuza II,

neither pay nor allowances.

the provision of a major loan for re-structuring

who used him as a source of advice on strategy

and expansion plans for Swaziland’s electricity

and formation when establishing the Imbokodvo

During that time he established a foundation of

grid. These were important learning experiences

Party. He remained influential during the reign

strong technical skills and sound management

for the young Natie for which he has always

of King Sobhuza II and established a similar

practices in that largest of our parastatals. As he

remained grateful to Swaziland.

advisory relationship with His Majesty King Mswati III, primarily on matters of economic

often said, the privilege of being SEB Chairman

at such a young age gave him opportunities to

FSE/CC and Manzini Club

and social importance. In recognition of his

observe and learn at first hand the challenges of

Around the same time he established and

contribution to Swaziland, His Majesty appointed

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Natie and agriculture

Frances Kirsh with Swazi royalty

Natie at the World Bank

SEC’s Ezulwini Hydro Plant

Natie to be one of the first Chief Councillors of

the casting vote, the Chairmanship of SWAKI in

NATEX and SPINTEX

the Order of King Sobhuza II.

perpetuity, and through the day to day control

With

and management of the company.

employment for many hundreds of Swazis,

SWAKI

the

vision

creating

meaningful

and establishing Swaziland as a global leader

In 1972 Natie felt his interests across the

Swaki enjoyed continuous growth and the

in textile production, Natie set about creating

country were too large, and that the Nation

Nation indeed benefitted greatly through SIDC’s

a textile manufacturing industry, literally from

should share in the profits of his Kirsh Holdings

share of the dividends. Over the years, the

scratch.

Group, by making Government his partner.

company proved to be a model of constant

The result was the creation of the National

and dynamic strategic thinking, adjusting to

Industrial Development Company of Swaziland

changing circumstances, under the overall

SPINTEX were formed in 1989 with a textile mill

(NIDCS), under the founding leadership of Dr

leadership of Natie and his successive Chief

and spinning facility that were the most up to

Sishayi Nxumalo. NIDCS was the forerunner

Executive Officers – Bill Firth, Alan Smith and

date in the world. The equipment and methods

of the Swaziland Investment and Development

Paul Friedlander.

were so advanced and to such a high standard

It expanded its portfolio to include such diverse

manufactured textile products to some of the

NICDS was created specifically to hold a 50%

operations as agricultural supplies, vehicle sales

biggest names, both in South Africa and abroad.

investment in the Kirsh Group and a new

(holding the Nissan, Fiat and Mercedes Benz

What should have been an enduring industrial

company called SWAKI was formed to hold

dealerships through TRACAR), asset financing,

miracle for Swaziland was eventually brought to

the assets. Natie retained control of SWAKI,

insurance, fertiliser manufacture, and property

its knees when South Africa decided to open

with his own company Kirsh Holdings holding

development. And also Textiles…

its market to low price competition from China.

The National Textile Co (Pty) Ltd (NATEX) and

that for a number of years NATEX exported

Corporation (SIDC) of today.

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Inhlanyelo Fund – Fikile Sukati Woman Farmer of the Year 2015

Opening of Natex 1989, Matsapha

By 1998, after a brief but glorious existence,

Philanthropy

have had significant importance for Swazis in the

NATEX was wound up. The irony is that, with the

The name of Natie Kirsh will always be

past 20 years and has contributed substantially

advent of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act

remembered for having contributed so much

to the development of the Nation: Inhlanyelo

in 2002, Natex and Spintex would have been

to the economic and social development of

Fund and the Computer Education Trust.

ideally placed to take advantage of the tariff free

Swaziland. But right from the start, alongside

access to the US market. Sadly, it came too late.

his extraordinary commercial achievements,

Inhlanyelo Fund

Natie quietly and with no fanfare was building a

Inhlanyelo (“Seed”) started back in 1997 with

legacy of philanthropic activity that has become

the then youngest member of Parliament,

his primary focus in the latter stages of his life.

Ntuthuko Dlamini who was part of an investment

End of the Partnership with SIDC and Move into Property In 2009, the relationship with NIDCS (by then reconstituted as SIDC) came to an end. The jointly owned assets were divided, with SIDC taking 100% of the Swazi Plaza Property Group and Kirsh Holdings taking 100% of the

promotion delegation to Taiwan which included Many prominent Swazis today owe their

Natie Kirsh. Natie by then was a very wealthy

education and their start in business life to the

businessman with an expanding global empire.

generosity of Natie. Swaziland’s first orphanage

During their time together, Ntuthuko explained

at Enjabulweni was built from funds provided by

to Natie that his constituents were suffering:

the Kirsh family in the 1960’s.

many of them wanted to start businesses but

commercial entities. Thereafter, a strategic

they had no money with which to do it. This

decision was taken by the Kirsh Group to exit

And the Kirsh name has been linked with many

struck a chord with Natie who remembered his

the majority of the original trading companies

hundreds of different projects, large and small,

own struggles with raising of capital to fund his

and turn the focus of the group’s investments to

over the 60 years of Natie’s close association

original milling company, 40 years previously. He

assets and property development.

with the Kingdom. Two initiatives in particular

agreed to help Ntuthuko.

Best of eSwatini

Swaki Head Office, Ezulwini

Following some research, Natie gave E100 000

through the chiefdoms instead, using the

A few statistics are worth recording over the

as seed capital for Ntuthuko’s constituency,

traditional leadership structures.

lifetime of the Fund to date:

projects. When Natie visited the inkhundla he

The model of the Fund is simple: Members

• As of April 2018, 18,350 new businesses

was so impressed that he decided to extend the

of the chiefdom BaNdlancane committees

have been established by Inhlanyelo Fund in

gesture to all 55 constituencies in the country,

work alongside Inhlanyelo employees to vet

establishing in the process a not for profit entity

prospective business ideas from the community.

• With 10 dependents per loan, nearly 20% of

and calling it the Inhlanyelo Fund.

Once these have passed scrutiny, and after

the Nation has benefitted directly from the

LaMghabi, financing a total of seventeen

successful applicants have undertaken basic

Swaziland

Fund

A sum of E100 000 was to be allocated to

training in business management, loans are

• Around 82% of the loans are repaid within

each constituency and, as loans were repaid,

extended and these entrepreneurs establish

12 – 24 months. A remarkable achievement

the money would be re-cycled as loans to new

and run their businesses.

given that these are virtually all first time entrepreneurs

applicants. The scheme found immediate favour with all, providing for the first time the capital

Once all the loans are repaid, the funds are

• 71% of Inhlanyelo’s clients are female

needed for those with no funds, to start their

recycled back into the community (but not

• The majority of clients are over 48 years of

own businesses. Indeed, it was so successful

before). The loans are totally unsecured and

that MPs were being re-elected because it was

the success of the model rests entirely on the

assumed that they had managed to source

commitment of the clients, the success of the

the funds for their constituents. The decision

businesses, and, critically, on the influence of

was therefore taken early on to distribute loans

the traditional leadership in the communities.

age • Around E40 Million has been advanced as loan capital by the Kirsh Group • Around E70 Million has been recycled from loans that have been repaid

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Natie with Junior Achievement Students and Teachers, 2017

Madwa Weaving Shed, Manzini Region, 2017

Inhlanyelo Fund has certainly proved to have a

education of Swazi learners, the vast majority

By 2009, 130 state high schools had been

massively positive impact on poverty reduction,

of whom were leaving school with no computer

equipped with their laboratories and computers.

job creation and stemming the flow of population

skills and therefore with minimal chance of

IT teachers were still in short supply but schools

from rural to urban.

employment opportunities in many workplaces.

made a plan, with in many cases parents chipping in to pay salaries of external instructors.

Natie has agreed to continue funding Inhlanyelo

He approached His Majesty and offered to fund

for as long as there is a demand to establish

an ambitious project to bring computer literacy

new businesses, and as long as there remains a

within 15 years to all Swazi kids.

culture of repayment. CET was set up in the year 2000 with Dr “Gu” Inhlanyelo is proof that the entrepreneurship

Terence Sibiya as its first director. The agreement

spirit is alive and thriving amongst Swazis and

with Government was that each community with

will continue to be the Kirsh Family’s primary

a high school would build a computer laboratory,

philanthropic focus in the Kingdom for many

Government would provide the IT teachers and

years to come.

place IT into the high school curriculum, and CET would buy and supply 20 computers to

However, it became obvious that the remaining 30 schools were located in deeply impoverished rural areas that would never be able to afford the costs involved in building computer labs. So, Natie stepped in and agreed to fund the restructuring of existing classrooms for dualpurposes. CET oversaw and funded these in all the remaining schools, ensuring that each had electricity, alarm systems, burglar-bars and air-conditioning. Around 27 installations were implemented to this design.

Computer Education Trust (CET)

each school and maintain them for the first three

The Computer Education Trust (CET) also started

years after delivery: thereafter this responsibility

By February 2013, every high school then

in 1998. Natie had identified a major gap in the

would revert to Government.

in existence was equipped with labs and

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Natie during a presentation to the Supreme Court of Justice, 2018

Wendy Fisher Kirsh with orphans at SOHO Centre, Nhlambeni, 2016

Computer Education Trust (CET)

computers. Swaziland had the distinction of

Over the past 3 years alone, Kirsh funding has

being the first country in Africa – and certainly

benefitted many different entities and individuals,

in most other parts of the developing world –

including:

whose high school students could claim to

• Junior Achievement Swaziland; supporting

be computer literate. Natie’s dream had been realised, 2 years ahead of schedule!

entrepreneurship training in schools • New Hope orphanage; infrastructure and operating costs

At a function at the final school to be computer-

• Scholarships for secondary and tertiary

ised – Vulamasango at Luyengo – Natie Kirsh

institutions

stated his wish that, now his original vision had

• Conservation

been achieved, he would work to bring free

• The administration of Justice

internet to all high schools that could not afford

• Rural women handicrafts

it. This next step is of huge significance for the Nation and is being spearheaded by Natie’s son, Philip Kirsh.

• Arts and culture • Individual social welfare cases • Sports, including training for Olympic athletes

More Philanthropy

The Future

The Kirsh Family’s philanthropic generosity to the

It has been a long and mutually beneficial

Kingdom encompasses far more than Inhlanyelo

relationship between Natie Kirsh and the

Fund and the Computer Education Trust.

Kingdom of Swaziland.

On the occasion of his 60th year of association with Swaziland – and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the birth of His Majesty King Mswati III and the regaining of national Independence – Natie has announced his decision to endow a new philanthropic entity to be known as “The Kirsh Family Foundation”. The aim is to expand philanthropic activity in the Kingdom into areas that comprise the highest national priorities and to help support His Majesty’s vision of uplifting the lives of all Swazis.

Swaki Email: info@swaki.co.sz Tel: +268 2417 1700

Best of eSwatini

Swazi Icons From this modestly sized country comes many prominent and well-known people who have made a significant contribution and difference not just in their field, but for the country as a whole - from politics and business, to sports and to the arts; Swaziland has produced a number of Swazis that the country and Africa can be proud of.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Constance T. Simelane Constance Simelane is Swaziland’s first female politician to become Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland. Simelane was born to Funwako Simelane a teacher from KoNtshingila and his wife Judith (née LaNkonyane) from Amsterdam, Mpumalanga and Simelane was the second eldest of their six children. In 1958, under an order

Absalom Themba Dlamini

by King Sobhuza II of Swaziland, Simelane’s father was recalled to Swaziland

Mr. Absalom Themba Dlamini serves as Managing Director of Tibiyo Taka Ngwane. Absalom Themba Dlamini (born December 1, 1950) is a Swazi politician. A.T as he is popularly known is the former Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland. He was Prime Minister of Swaziland from 26 November 2003 to 16 October 2008.

scholarship program of American Universities and became a student at

to work in the district capital. He taught at a number of high schools before becoming an Ambassador for a number of countries, returning to Swaziland to act as a Minister for finance. He died in 1980. After leaving high school Simelane gained a scholarship from the African Roosevelt University in Chicago where she studied for a degree is social sciences. From Chicago she undertook a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington before studying advanced purchasing strategies in Austria. Simelane worked as a credit researcher in Chicago, before moving back to Swaziland where she took on the role of Assistant Secretary in the Deputy

He has held executive positions in various local institutions, such as the

Prime Minister’s Office. She then moved to Ethiopia where she worked for

Central Bank of Swaziland, Swaziland National Provident Fund and Swaziland

the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa.

Industrial Development Company. From 1991 he was a Director and CEO of Tibiyo Taka Ngwane, a national organisation dedicated to preserving and

In 2003 Simelane took her place as a member of the House of Assembly

developing economic strategies for Swazi culture. He currently serves on

of Swaziland as one of the 10 Ministers constitutionally allowed by the

other Boards including Ubombo Sugar Company, Mananga Sugar Packers

Monarch, then King Mswati II. She was given the post of Minister of

and Royal Villas.

Education from the date of her appointment. During her time as Education Minister, Simelane introduced a scheme to allow all vulnerable and

He has received awards and honours from among others His Majesty King

orphaned primary and secondary school children to be able to attend

Mswati III (honouring him with the “Royal Medal of the Supreme Adviser of

school, despite the nation demanding a fee for basic education. She

the Royal Decree of King Sobhuza II”) and from the President of the Republic

pledged to release USD$6.4 million to pay for the children effected and

of China in Taiwan. He also serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of the

ordered that all children who presented themselves to schools should

Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation Limited.

be accepted. Further education programs introduced by Simelane included free school text books for vulnerable children. She also called

Dlamini in 1978 attained a Bachelor’s degree at the then University of

upon pregnant girls to be re-admitted to education. From 2004 to 2005

Botswana and Swaziland. In 1987 he also completed a Master’s degree at

Simelane held the position of Chairperson of the Executive Committee of

the University of Nairobi.

the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

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Dr Sishayi Nxumalo Dr Sishayi Simon Nxumalo served as a Minister for Industry, Mines and Tourism and was born on May 2, 1936, at Nkambeni in the Manzini district. Educated at Manzini Central School, then St Joseph’s Mission School at Mbuluzi and finally at Matsapa Swazi National High School. For four years (1954-1958) he taught in schools at Nkambeni and Mhlambanyati, then crossed into South Africa to work in the Johannesburg gold mines and study at night. In February In 2006, following the death of Albert Shabangu,

1960 he returned to Swaziland and went into

Simelane was given the position of Deputy Prime

business as a livestock dealer. His campaign against adult illiteracy began in December 1961 when he arranged a public

Since leaving her post in government, Simelane

meeting and formed a committee which

has continued to be a vocal supporter of both

established the Sebenta National Institute.

education and women’s rights and speaks on a

Initially supported by private donations and

wide range of issues regarding the empowerment

later aided by the Swaziland government and

of women in Swaziland.

UNESCO, the Institute organised volunteers to go to villages teaching villagers to read and

George Mbikwakhe Mamba George Mbikwakhe Mamba was decorated with the medal of Chief Counsellor of the Order of Sobhuza II, by King Mswati III of Swaziland, 1987; Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, by the President of the Republic of China, 1988; and named Honorary Knight Grand Cross of Royal Victorian, by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, 1987. George Mbikwakhe was born on July 5, 1932

joined the cabinet as Minister of Commerce, Industry and Mines. He was the Swaziland delegate to the meeting of the Organisation of African Unity at Addis Ababa in 1971. He led the delegation for the important mineral negotiations in England in June 1972 and after a successful election campaign became Minister for Industry, Mines and Tourism in the cabinet formed on June 2, 1972. His political career started when he founded the Swaziland Democratic Party in 1962. The following year his cousin Dr Allen Nxumalo joined forces and became President of the SDP while he ran the party organisation as Secretary General and took part in the constitutional

Minister, the first woman to hold the role. She remained in the post until 2008.

At independence on September 6, 1968 he

write. In 1965 in a pause from politics Nxumalo was Director of the Sebenta National Institute and in 1971, even though then a Cabinet Minister, he became Chairman and launched a seven-year programme aimed at eliminating adult illiteracy completely.

conference held in London in January and February 1963. After defeat in the first elections for the Legislative Council in June 1964 he left the Swaziland Democratic Party in October 1964 with the party being dissolved in April 1965. He wanted more democratic freedom and a Swaziland moving with the rest of black Africa, free from white South African influence. In the end he came to the conclusion that these aims could best be realised by joining the Imbokodvo National Movement and working from inside. One of the most outstanding politicians and

From 1965 to 1967 he was a King’s envoy, journeying to many countries in Africa as well as Europe, Asia and America. On April 20, 1967, he was elected to Parliament as an Imbokodvo candidate and became a junior Minister as Minister of State for Finance, Commerce and Industry.

business minds in southern Africa; his talents in administration and negotiation saw him become a leading political figure as party treasurer of Mbokondvo and as a senior member of the cabinet. He is also attributed with laying the foundation for the sprawling Matsapha Industrial sites.

was appointed a Delegate to UNESCO as the Vice-President of Swaziland National Union of Teachers 1966-1967. His next assignment was Field Commander Swaziland Boy Scouts Association 1967-1968, while also Inspector of Schools for the Manzini District from 1969-1970.

son of Ndabazebelungu Mamba and Gertrude

Between 1971-1972 he was appointed Chief

Mthwalose Thwala. He went to Franson Christian

Commander of The Swaziland Boy Scouts

High School and Swazi National High School. His

Association position, which he held concurrently

tertiary education was in Morija Teacher Training

with Welfare and Aftercare Officer, for the Prison

College, Cambridge Institute of Education and

Department. His Majesty King Sobhuza II then

Nairobi University, Kenya. In 1960 he married

appointed him Counsel on the Swaziland High

Sophie Sibandze and together they had three

Commission,

sons and two daughters.

Needing steady hands His Majesty then made

Nairobi

between

1972-1977.

him High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Before he was a Diplomat he was Head Teacher

concurrently being High Commissioner to Malta,

at Makhonza Mission School from 1956-1960.

Ambassador to Denmark, Norway and Sweden

He moved to Kwaluseni Central School from

and Perm, posts he held from 1978-1988.

1961-1965. He finally capped his teaching career as Head Teacher at Enkamheni Central

Upon his return to Swaziland in 1988 he became

School from 1966-1967. During this time he

Minister of Foreign Affairs before retiring in 1993.

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President Dhlamini President Dhlamini was the first indigenous Swazi to become a licensed pilot. He is an airline transport pilot by profession having flown Lijubantsendzele and Fokker 100 while working for Royal Swazi National Airways.

a Captain on the Royal Swazi National Airways

Prime Minister, other Swazi Prime Ministers as

Fokker F28 LiJuba-ntsendzele and Fokker 100.

well as many other prominent people such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

While at the national airline his achievements include flying the Crown Prince Makhosetive,

The demise of Royal Swazi in 1999 saw him join

later to become His Majesty King Mswati III

Swaziland Airlink where he worked as a Chief

and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, His Excellency

Pilot and later became the General Manager.

the Prime Minister of Taiwan when he visited

He then worked for the South African Civil

Swaziland, their Excellencies President Nelson

Aviation Authority as an inspector and later as

Mandela after his release from prison before he

Senior Manager; Flight Operations Division. He

His journey began soon after leaving Ethiopia at

became President, President Kenneth Kaunda,

then moved to Head Eskom Aviation business

the end of 1975 after completing high school.

President Quett Masire, President Julius Nyerere,

and today he is back in the country as CEO of

Upon returning to Swaziland he enrolled at

King Moshoeshoe II on his return from exile, His

the resuscitated Royal Swazi National Airways

the Swaziland College of Technology, where

Excellency Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini on his

Corporation. As a pilot he boosts over 14 000

in June 1978 he graduated with a City and

return to Swaziland to take up the position of

hours flying experience

Guilds Part I Technicians Certificate in Motor Vehicle Technology. This the same year that saw the launch of the national airline; Royal Swazi

Lydia Phindile Makhubu

National Airways Corporation. After graduating he joined the Government Garage, today called the Central Transport Organisation (CTA) for a couple of months before proceeding to join the Umbutfo Swaziland

Lydia Makhubu (born 1 July 1937) is a retired Swazi Chemist and former Professor of Chemistry, Dean and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Swaziland.

Science from 1976 to 1980, a senior lecturer in 1979, a full Professor the following year, and Vice-Chancellor from 1988 to 2003. Her research focused on the medical effects of plants used by traditional Swazi healers.

Defence Force. At the force he was selected initially as one of the

She was born at the Usuthu Mission in

aircraft mechanics, then as a prospective pilot

Swaziland. Her parents were teachers, but

From its inception in 1993 until 2005,

before going to Israel to do the required training.

her father also worked as an orderly in health

Makhubu was the President of the Third World

clinics. Her early exposure to medicine had a

Organization for Women in Science, which

“Most people like me are fortunate to have

great influence on her choice of career; she

provides fellowships for postgraduate study.

been trained by the military and later allowed to

initially wanted to become a Doctor, but then

She was the first woman Chairperson of the

advance their careers as commercial pilots.”

switched to Chemistry.

executive committee of the Association of

Upon getting his Israeli private pilot’s licence he first performed a demonstration flight for Major General Maphevu in Israel. Then a fly past during King Sobhuza II’s last birthday celebration in 1982 at the Prince of Wales Stadium and accepting the Royal Salute. As an army pilot he also did the fly past at King Sobhuza II’s funeral service, when his Royal Casket was being brought into the arena (King Sobhuza II Memorial Park) by the senior command of the security forces. Not long after he joined the national airline as

the chemistry department in 1973, the Dean of

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Commonwealth Universities. She also served Makhubu graduated from Pius XII College (now

in numerous other organizations, such as

the National University of Lesotho) with a B.Sc.

the United Nations Advisory Committee on

in 1963. With a Canadian Commonwealth

Science and Technology for Development.

scholarship, she obtained a M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Alberta

She has received numerous grants and

in 1967, followed by a Ph.D. in Medicinal

honours, including a MacArthur Foundation

Chemistry from the University of Toronto in

grant (1993-1995) and honorary doctorates

1973, becoming the first Swazi woman to earn

from various universities including a Doctor of

a doctorate.

Laws from Saint Mary’s University in 1991.

She returned to her home land and joined the

She married a surgeon Daniel Mbatha; they

University of Swaziland, becoming a lecturer in

have a son and a daughter.

Ted Reilly The father and icon of conservation in Swaziland, Ted has worked to conserve existing animals and reintroduce those which had gone locally extinct – thanks to his efforts, 22 species of mammals have been reintroduced to Swaziland.

Ted and Liz Reilly the custodians of Swazilands wildlife

at the beginning of the decade by putting up a large perimeter fence; keeping wildlife in and potentially harmful humans out.

A young Ted Reilly took it upon himself to turn his back garden into what is now one of Africa’s

Once all the core elements of the reserve

most accessible wildlife reserves; Mlilwane

had been put in place, animal re-introduction

Wildlife Sanctuary. Opening on the 12th July

began, the first phase of which included the

1964 to the public and marking the beginning

introduction of impala, zebra, waterbuck,

of formal conservation in the Kingdom of

ostrich and kudu. After more animals were re-

Swaziland. At the time the country’s wildlife

introduced including warthog and nyala later in

resources had been severely depleted due

the decade, the reserve was officially opened by

to hunting concessions, had been plundered

Hilda Stevenson-Hamilton and a year on; 1965,

and removed for agriculture and existed only

the first white rhinos were introduced.

in remnant herds, largely on private farms. Wildlife was seen as vermin, a threat to the

Re-introduction and ongoing conservation work

economic wealth of the country and thus there

continued for the next 40 years, and is still an

was no willingness to embrace the concept of

on-going project to this day. The concept of

conservation.

Swazi conservation and the dream Ted first had began in Mlilwane, but it was the success of

By the 1950’s, the fruits of Swaziland’s land had

this first project that lead on to the founding of

depleted immeasurably to all but the odd scrub

Hlane Royal National Park, the establishment of

hare and duiker and Swaziland had all but lost

the Swaziland National Trust Commission, and

her wildlife heritage. Having watched the demise

Mkhaya Game Reserve – now one of the world’s

of Swaziland’s wildlife, and with his experiences

best Rhino success stories.

in South Africa and in Zambia reminding him

Jennifer Thorne From one woman’s vison; to empowering more than 750 rural Swazi women. A former nurse and farmer’s wife from Malkerns, the late Jenny Thorne co-founded a series of shops across the country selling local crafts; the beginning of Gone Rural.

of how wild Africa could and should be, Reilly

Ted’s dreams have undoubtedly been realised,

dreamed of a park system to safeguard the

with what has now become a flourishing country

Founded with a vision to empower women in

countries rich diversity and beautiful landscapes.

of wildlife and game parks, the organisation Big

some of the most remote areas of Swaziland,

Game Parks was then established in the 1990’s

Gone Rural has evolved into a pioneering,

With little support from the then British

as a private organisation, encouraging the

community-led organization started organically

Government, it was up to Ted to make it

establishment of further reserves such as Mbuluzi,

in the 1970s, when Jenny saw an opportunity

happen. With the support of the King behind

Nisela, and Phophonyane. Today Big Game

to use handcrafts as a means to empower the

him, a small force of rangers, and one land rover,

Parks is the delegated authority on the Game Act

women of Swaziland.

Mlilwane was born. From 1960 Mlilwane started

and CITES and operates a highly effective anti-

to grow, with habitat modification and the

poaching unit which is a key element to an on-

Up in the mountains, where the indigenous

relocation of animals one-by-one. Work started

going conservation success story.

lutindzi grass grows wild, Jenny saw women

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Victor Gamedze weaving and saw an opportunity to help them use these skills to secure a sustainable, independent income with which to support themselves and their families. Today, Gone Rural works with more than 750 artisans in 13 groups across

Victor Gamedze is a Blazing Swazi Entrepreneur that contributed immensely to the development of eSwatini. Born in KaLanga, Siteki in the Libombo region, Gamedze is loved for his Business acumen and footwork in the field.

Swaziland – from young women to gogos (grandmothers) and often with three generations of women from one family. By providing these women

Before his untimely demise, after years as Telecom entrepreneur, responding

with self-employed, home-based work, they are empowered with a

to His Majesty’s Vision 2022 – in June 2017 he finally realised his dream of

sustainable income, while still allowing them to fulfill their traditional duties

establishing Swaziland’s second Mobile Company – Swazi Mobile. Hailed

and provide care to dependents.

as a heroic feat by the people of Eswatini, finally they had cutting edge

This initiative supplies woven products from Swaziland to hundreds of

competition to make their lives that much closer to First World.

retailers around the globe, seeing the increase in artisan incomes and what once was a small start-up organisation, now has a global reach and is

Gamedze made his name in the footballing world first as a player for top local

making a huge impact on hundreds of families.

clubs like Usushwana Rhinos, Dribbling Wizards and Mbabane Swallows – and has numerous Sihlangu caps.

Gone Rural also invest (at least) 30% of annual profits into their community development organisation Gone Rural boMake, with Gone Rural’s mission

His love for the game saw him purchase Mbabane Swallows and under his

summed up as: preserving the past, understanding the present and

guidance the team enjoyed incredible success both locally and internationally

pioneering the future.

– guiding Swallows to the group stages of the 2017 Confederation Cup and becoming the first local team to reach this stage. Today Mbabane Swallows

Jenny has truly inspired and empowered a nation; with her first outlet built

continues to be the most dominant side by far in the Premier League of

on Malandelas Farm (where they are still based today). Today, that shop

Swaziland (PLS).

has grown into a unique cultural centre, celebrating the creativity and connections that Swaziland has to offer. This includes the awe-inspiring

As Chairman of the PLS his lasting achievement was transforming the

events venue House on Fire, built by Jenny and Pete’s oldest sons, Jiggs

PLS to be ranked 14th on the continent. He also successfully brought new

and Sholto; the offices of travel adventure company All Out Africa, co-

sponsorships in local football such as the on-going SMVAF Ingwenyama

founded by their younger son Roland; and the Malandelas farmhouse pub and restaurant, run by their daughter Nandi, all contributing in their own way to making Swaziland what it is today.

Cup, SwaziBank Cup and the now defunct Castle Premier Challenge among other tournaments. He was also part of the Sihlangu project committee introduced two years ago which assisted during the nation pride’s good run in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers where they finished third with eight points behind Zimbabwe and Malawi. Gamedze also introduced loan grants to assist Premier League and First Division teams to sustain themselves and further launched a TV rights deal for teams with the Swaziland Television Authority (STVA) which saw local clubs share E3 million last year. The late FA vice president recently launched lucrative sponsorships for four local teams including Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers worth E10.5 million through his new communications company Swazi Mobile. Victor “Maradona” Gamedze was married to Princess Lungile, daughter of the late Prince Makhubu son of King Sobhuza. Together they have two daughters and a son.

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Absalom ‘Scara’ Thindwa Phetsile Mamba Swazi nurse Phetsile Mamba, is the Director of the International Council of Nurses’ (ICN) Wellness Centre for Health Care Workers in Manzini, and has received an international award for her work with HIV Nursing and Care.

Thindwa, who spent eight years (1985-1993) with Chiefs having joined them from Swaziland side, Bulembu Young Aces in 1985 had a knack for sniffing and scoring spectacular goals. Born in Swaziland this gentle giant helped Chiefs win many trophies. In 1986 he was crowned Players Player of the Season after scoring many crucial goals. During his time with Amakhosi the team won in excess of 15 cups, including BP Top 8, Iwisa Charity Cup, JPS Knockout, National Panasonic Champion of Champions, Ohlsson’s Challenge and the

The RCNi reported that the outstanding work of Mamba, has been

Mainstay Cup.

recognised globally by the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) and been awarded with an Excellence in Global HIV Nursing Award.

The elusive league title however, was finally won for the first time in the NSL era in 1989 at the peak of his footballing career. During his time with

Mamba is a founding member of the innovative and highly successful

Kaiser Chiefs, Scara has played with legends the likes of Patrick ‘Ace’

ICN-Swaziland Wellness Centre for Health Care Workers. The centre was

Ntsoelengoe, Nelson ‘Teenage’ Dladla, Johannes ‘Ryder’ Mofokeng, Fetsi

established in 2006, in partnership with the Swaziland Nurses Association,

‘Chippa’ Molatedi, Shane MacGregor, Marks ‘Go Man Go’ Maponyane,

now the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU), the Danish

Doctor ‘16V’ Khumalo, Abel Shongwe, Jack ‘Black Stone’ Chamangwana,

Nurses Organisation, the Stephen Lewis Foundation, BD Corporation and

Sylvester ‘City’ Kole, Mark Tovey, Wellington Manyathi, Gary Bailey and

the Ministry of Health.

William ‘Cool Cat’ Shongwe. The eighties were a fantastic period for Kaizer Chiefs, as they proved that they were South Africa’s ‘King of Cups’.

The ANAC award recognises an outstanding nurse, living and working in a resource-limited setting, who has significantly impacted his/her

In 2015, the former Kaizer Chiefs striker, decided to plough back to the

community or colleagues by promoting excellence in HIV nursing care

youth of his country of birth; Swaziland by organising an Under 13 schools

and/or prevention and who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and

tournament. The former Swaziland international through this initiative

innovation.

made it a point that he sees that Swaziland introduces and produces more talented youngsters to the game through this tournament.

“The Southern foot of Africa is greatly affected by HIV,” Mamba reportedly said in her acceptance speech. “We nurses are doing all we can to fight

The Swaziland Schools Sports Association official, Anthony Mdluli, told

against this disease and its impact.”

journalists that they are grateful to Thindwa for giving the youngsters the chance to play from a young age.

Pierre Théraulaz, ICN’s Acting Chief Executive Officer said: “The work Phetsile and her colleagues have accomplished in such challenging

“We thank Scara for his good gesture through his foundation,” said Mdluli.

conditions is truly outstanding”.

“This will help develop the game in Swaziland.”

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Lucas Mlambo

Richard E. Grant

(Born 28 December 1959 in Sidvwashini, Mbabane) is a Swazi painter.

(Born Richard Grant Esterhuysen on 5 May 1957 in Mbabane) – Is a Swazi-English actor, screenwriter, director and perfumier.

The only boy of eight children, his father died when he was very young and was raised by his mother whilst attending Lozita Secondary School.

He first came to public attention in 1987 for playing Withnail in the film

In 1984, the Mlambo family were required to relocate by the government

’Withnail and I’, and achieved recognition as Dr John “Jack” Seward in the

in order to make way for roads and roadworks; stemming from this Lucas

highly aclaimed 1992 film ’Bram Stoker’s Dracula’. He played Dr. Zander

began drawing to remember his childhood home.

Rice in the 2017 superhero film ’Logan’ and Izembaro in the sixth season of the HBO series ’Game of Thrones.’

He secured a job in Beral, and on the weekends he developed and honed his skills in painting and stared selling his creations to his work colleagues.

As a boy, Grant attended primary school at St Mark’s, a local government

In 1985, a man named Dori whom he had met at the Indingilizi Gallery

school in Mbabane that had only recently become racially integrated. Grant

recognised his talent and encouraged him to exhibit his works. The

wears a watch on each wrist, one given to him by his dying father, which

following year he did just that at the gallery.

is permanently set on Swaziland time and is a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Swaziland.

In 1991, Mlambo painted five murals at Indingilizi to depict the Reed Dance Ceremony and has since showcased his works at the Total Gallery

Grant attended secondary school at Waterford Kamhlaba United World

in Johannesburg, the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal; at the

College of Southern Africa (UWCSA), an independent school just outside

Grahamstown Arts Festival; South Africa and at the Swaziland Arts Society.

Mbabane, where he was a day scholar. He then went on to study English

Even taking his art to Denmark and the United States. His paintings are

and drama at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and only adopting

noted for their bright colours, often in lively scenes, and generally capture

his stage name when he moved to London, Britain in 1982.

everyday life and landmarks in the country. He later stated, “I grew up in Swaziland when it was mired in a 1960s Mlambo has said “Many people like my paintings. I like to use bright

sensibility. The kind of English spoken where I grew up was a period

colours. In my work, you can see how people in Swaziland live and what

English sound and when I came to England people said, ‘how strange’.

they do. I like Mbabane very much because when I see the mountains I

Charles Sturridge, who directed ’Brideshead Revisited’ for TV, said, ‘you

see something to paint. When I see the streets, people and buildings, I see

speak English like someone from the 1950s’.”

something to paint. Even in the location where I stay, I find many stories to paint to show how the people live and what they do.”

Grant’s first film role was the perpetually inebriated title character in ’Withnail and I’, which established a large cult following. Following this

Notable works include ‘After the Storm’, ‘Washing Day’ – Manzini,

film, Grant started appearing in a succession of Hollywood films, quickly

‘Nhlangano Town Mshengu St’ and ‘Nhlangano – Old Bus Rank’.

establishing himself as a powerful character actor in a wide array of films,

Mlambo is married with a son and a daughter.

from blockbuster studio movies to small independent projects. Over the

Best of eSwatini

past twenty years, Grant has had strong supporting roles in the films

Upon graduation Ally moved to Chicago, where he got his start in the

‘Henry & June’, ‘L.A. Story’, ‘The Player’, ‘The Age of Innocence’, ‘The

business working in theatre. He has performed at some of the most

Portrait of a Lady’, ‘Spice World’, ‘Gosford Park’, ‘Bright Young Things’,

reputable theaters around the country and most recently appeared as

and ‘Penelope’.

‘Bashir’ in The Invisible Hand at New York Theatre Workshop, a role that garnered him a Lucille Lortel Nomination for Best Actor, A Drama

While filming L.A. Story with Steve Martin, the pair communicated by fax in what became for both a hilarious dialogue: “I kept these faxes, which grew to a stack more than two inches thick, because they entertained me, and because I thought they were valuable aesthetic chunks from a screeching mind, a stream-of-consciousness faucet spewing sentences – sometimes a mile long – none of it rewritten, and bearing just the right amount of acid and alkaline.”

Usman Ally

League Nomination for Best Actor, and an Obie Award for Outstanding Performance. Additional accolades include receiving the Fox Foundation Grant for Actors of Extraordinary Potential in 2010. Ally currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. – www.usmanally.com

Malla Nunn

Usman Ally is an American film, stage and television actor – Born in Swaziland.

Malla Nunn was born in Swaziland, and currently lives in Sydney, Australia. She is a filmmaker, a screenwriter and author with three award-winning films to her credit.

In 2015, Ally won an Obie Award for his role in ‘The Invisible Hand’ and is

Her works include the ‘murder mystery’, ‘A Beautiful Place to Die’, and ‘Let

most known for originating several lead roles in award winning plays and

the Dead Lie’.

stage productions including ‘The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity’ (Top 10 Performances of the year), as ‘Bagheera’ in Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ (IRNE Award for Best Actor in a Musical), and a production of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. He is known for his on-screen roles such as Vincent on ’Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ and the Hook-Handed Man in ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events.’ Usman Ally was born in Swaziland and grew up in Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania and Pakistan. At the age of 18, he moved to the United States

Nunn moved to Perth with her parents in the 1970s. She attended the University of Western Australia graduating with a B.A. with a double major in English and History and she completed a M.A. in Theatre Studies at Villanova University in Philadelphia. While in America she met her husbandto-be and they curently live with their two children in Sydney. Nunn wrote and directed several short films including the documentary

to pursue his dream of acting where he attended Lewis and Clark College

‘Servant of the Ancestors’ in 1998 which screened at several festivals and

in Portland, Oregon, majoring in theater and cultural anthropology. While

won Best Documentary Silver Images, Pan African, Zanzibar Film Festival,

there he was introduced to a group called Prisoners of Politics, and

2000. Her first book ‘A Beautiful Place to Die’ was published in 2008. Set in

began to take part in slam poetry and hip hop performances. Soon after

South Africa in the beginning of the apartheid era in South Africa it featured

graduating from Lewis and Clark, he attended the University of Florida,

Detective Emmanuael Cooper. This was the beginning of the Detective

where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with an MFA in acting.

Emmanuel Cooper series.

Best of eSwatini

CHAPTER 3

TRAVEL, TOURS AND LEISURE

Foreword from the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs,

Hon. Christopher Gamedze The Swaziland tourism industry would like to join the nation in wishing His Majesty King Mswati III a happy 50th birthday! Halala, Khula Mlisa!

The industry would also like to wish the nation happy festivities as we celebrate His Majesty’s birthday and the country’s 50th independence viz. the 50/50 Celebrations. The tourism industry in Swaziland is indeed among other sectors that have played a pivotal role in the development of our nation in the last 50 years. Our nation has successfully maintained and sustained peace and stability in the last five decades. We have seen an increase in Swaziland’s appeal as a “safe haven” and our culture has featured increasingly in the marketing of the country as a tourism destination. Swaziland has been described by numerous travel writers as peaceful, and our natural biodiversity and rich traditional heritage have been envied by many. In many respects, Swaziland is a modern country with extensive links to the region and internationally, and with a developing infrastructure and a young literate population with potential to acquire technical and vocational

Best of eSwatini

skills to make the country a haven for tourism

and France visiting the country in the last ten

Africa and Mozambique. This agreement allows

development. Swazilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy is open

years than before. We have also seen growth

international tourists to travel across the three

and linked to neighbouring countries through its

of inbound travel from other tourism regions,

countries with a single visa, something which

trade and financial relationships. The Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

particularly the African and the North American

has been lauded by various big international tour

peaceful and secure environment, added to the

markets. In Africa, South Africa, Mozambique,

operators as they are now able to send bigger

beautiful and varied ecosystems compacted

and Zimbabwe have been the top three source

groups to the three countries in a single tour.

into a small space, is good value for money.

markets in the last decade, while the United

Our unique and authentic culture and traditions

States of America and Canada are the top North

In this supplement, we will track the development

have been our hugest selling propositions, and

American source markets.

of the tourism industry in the country in the last 50 years, and also showcase some of our oldest

we extend our gratitude to Their Majesties for being the symbols and principal patrons of

The tourism industry measure for sales; the

Swazi culture. The last sub-Saharan African

number of bed nights sold, is increasing.

country to be ruled by a King draws tourists for

My ministry, through the Swaziland Tourism

that very reason.

Authority (STA), and the industry players,

establishments in the industry. Once more, happy 50/50 celebrations to you all!

through the Hospitality and Tourism Association Over the years, we have managed to increase

of Swaziland (HOTAS), are working frantically

Hon. Christopher Gamedze

our market share in the global traveller index,

to ensure that the number of nights spent by

Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs

with a significant growth in inbound travel

visitors in the country is increased. We do this

being registered in the last ten years. This

through vigorous marketing at various industry

growth, surprisingly, came in spite of global

trade shows regionally and globally, and through

economic pressures that included the credit

hosting international travel media for destination

crunch six years ago, among other factors.

educational trips.

Interest in Swaziland has increased sharply in our traditional markets like Europe, with

In 2006 Swaziland signed the Lubombo Route

more tourists from Belgium, UK, Germany

Agreement together with neighbours: South

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Tourism in Swaziland 50 Years of Tourism | 50 Years of Peace 50 years of Stability | 50 Years of Economic Development

The Beginning of Tourism in Swaziland The Kingdom of Swaziland is a land locked country wholly bounded by the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique. Within 17,364 km, there is considerable geographical and climatic diversity. Annexed by the Boers in 1890 and by the British in 1902, Swaziland became a British colony in 1906, eventually obtaining formal, political independence in 1968. Tourism in Swaziland is a success story. Most of the first tourists who came to Swaziland arrived by road from South Africa. Swaziland’s tourism industry developed during the colonial and apartheid eras in South Africa and this shaped many of our distinctive attractions. The adoption of apartheid in South Africa and civil war in Mozambique also contributed to Swaziland’s appeal as an alternative tourist destination in Southern Africa. Prior to the outbreak of the Second Boer War (1899-1902), about 1,000 Europeans (including settlers) were in Swaziland. To meet their needs, hotels were built by two Europeans: Mr Alfred

and the mining settlements of Pigg’s Peak and Forbes Reef. Accommodation was provided for two types of hunters: those seeking mineral rights and other concessions from the Swazi (an early variant of business tourism), and those hunting big game.

The Evolution of Tourism in Swaziland Swaziland’s evolution was initially conditioned

Bremer (who gave his name to Bremersdorp,

by its status as a British colony. The evolution

the first European Capital of Swaziland), and

of tourism in Swaziland is considered to have

by John Thorburn, a prominent adventurer and

progressed in stages. Initial stages of exploration

concessionaire, who built a “liquor canteen”

and involvement led to development and

which reportedly became a meeting place for

consolidation. This was followed by stagnation,

concession hunters.

and then rejuvenation.

In 1907, there were five hotels in Swaziland,

Over the next four decades, small hotels

a halt, retrospectively making the exploration

catering primarily for business visitors to

and guest houses periodically appeared at

stage seem an example of proto-tourism. From

administrative or industrial centres. Two were

government out-stations, mining settlements,

the early-1950s until the mid-1960s, Swazi

at Mbabane, which had replaced Bremersdorp

and border towns, but they did not become

tourism went through a transitional phase and

(later renamed Manzini) as the (European) capital

permanently established and, in 1949, there

by 1954, the colony boasted 11 hotels, all at

of Swaziland, and others were at Bremersdorp

were only four hotels in the country.

centres of administration and industry.

As a result of the wanton destruction of wildlife, recreational tourism in Swaziland had come to

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Some effort was made to make Swaziland

by Mr Reilly. Hlane was held in trust of the

more attractive to visitors and in 1963, the

Swazi Nation by King Sobhuza. This is how

colonial government passed the Casino Act,

Conservation was born in Swaziland. Our

whereby casinos, illegal then in South Africa,

flourishing conservation success story today

were allowed to operate in Swaziland, albeit

is still widely attributed to the support of the

under certain restrictions. However, no real

Monarchy.

attempt was made to develop holiday tourism, for even in 1960 there were no tarred roads in

From the early 1970s, Swaziland was then

the country.

promoted

holiday

destination.

The

government also established the Swaziland When a road-building program was introduced

National Trust Commission, with the help of

in the early 1960s, it was to facilitate Swaziland’s

Ted Reilly, to protect the national heritage.

industrial development and only coincidentally

Hotel visitors – the bulk of all non-Swazi arrivals

assisted the expansion of tourism. The period

drastically increased. The increase was both

from 1966 to 1975 was one of promise for the

caused by the improved standard of Swazi

tourism industry in Swaziland. Two years after

hotels.

the Casino Act, the Holiday Inn Group opened the Royal Swazi Spa Hotel (with its casino, the

Swaziland’s hotel room capacity tripled, with

first in Southern Africa), in the Ezulwini Valley.

83% of the new hotel rooms operated by the Holiday Inn franchise. Hotels became larger,

Swaziland gained political independence from

of international standard, and were mainly

the British in 1968. The newly independent

under the control of transnational companies.

Swazi government placed tourism firmly on

Furthermore, tourism became (and remained)

the economic agenda, leaving its development

heavily concentrated in the Ezulwini Valley and

mainly to the private sector, but facilitating

Malkerns Valley which, by 1977, contained 59%

access to tourism attractions, especially the

of all hotel beds in Swaziland.

casino. Our economy continues to be closely tied to the Conservation Legend, Ted Reilly, after proposing

Republic of South Africa. Swaziland is also a

to the British Government countless times and

member of the Southern African Customs Union

failing, finally approached King Sobhuza II

(SACU) and, until 1986, was in the Republic-

Most visitors to Swazi hotels in the mid-50s

with the proposal to convert his own farm into

dominated Rand Monetary Area (RMA) with

were residents of South Africa with business

protected areas of conservation for tourism

Botswana and Lesotho. The Swazi currency

interests in Swaziland, or government officers

purposes. The Ingwenyama of Swaziland King

(the Lilangeni) continues to be informally linked

and employees with official duties in the more

Sobhuza II agreed and gave him his full support

to the Rand, with which it has parity. At the end

inaccessible parts of the country. By 1960

seeing the value of national heritage.

of the 1980s, in tourism, as in other industries,

Swaziland was gaining a reputation as “the

Swaziland was heavily reliant on South Africa

Switzerland of Africa,” both because of its

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Hlane Royal

which, supplied more than 60% of all tourist

scenic attractions and its apparent stability.

National Park were formed both to be managed

arrivals.

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Swaziland

While the Swazi Government and the Crown

traditions. The two-major annual traditional

were investing in tourism, Holiday Inns and

ceremonies, at the time, the First Fruits and

Southern Sun recognised the market trends and

the Reed Dance, featured prominently in all the

in 1983, merged to form Sun International. By

tourist brochures. In addition, King Sobhuza II

the end of the 1980s, the new company, based

Golden Jubilee attracted thousands of visitors,

in South Africa, owned most and controlled all

as well as dignitaries from all over the world.

casino hotels in southern Africa and its interests

First,

deliberately

promoted

extended through Bophuthatswana and the Secondly, specific efforts were directed at

Transkei to Lesotho, Botswana, and Mauritius.

producing “hallmark” events like the Kings Trust

It also became the main shareholder in most of

Concerts and International Sporting Events. Due

the major hotels of Swaziland, jointly owning or

to the political and economic isolation of South

operating others in partnership with the Swazi

Africa, the Swazi Tourism industry decided that

government and the Monarchy.

if beds could not be filled for two or three nights, attempts should be made to fill them for one

By the end of the 1980s, tourism in Swaziland

night.

was playing an important role in the economy. More than 2000 workers were directly employed

Visits were organised for top English soccer

in the country’s hotels and restaurants, and

teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool,

Swaziland earned millions of Emalangeni from

and Manchester United (in June 1983 and June

tourism. Indeed, between 1983 and 1989,

1984) and stars of popular music performed

foreign

in Swaziland (for example, Peter Tosh, the

quadrupled, “putting tourism roughly on a par

Jamaican reggae singer, in October 1983), thus

with the mining sector” in the scale of its gross

attracting thousands of weekend visitors from

contribution to the balance of payments (The

the Republic, who were denied the experience

Economist Intelligence Unit 1990:76).

exchange

earnings

from

tourism

in their own country because of sanctions. The

The Role of the Monarchy in Tourism Development

televising of the 1984 and 1988 Olympics also

By 1988, international tourism was accounting

provided other opportunities to attract residents

for more than 4% of exports and nearly 3% of

From 1975, when hotel guests numbered more

of the Republic. The promotion of Swazi tradition

Gross Domestic Product (Harrison 1992a: 14).

than 100,000, tourism in Swaziland declined,

and “hallmark” events had some success and

Indirectly, taxi drivers, retailers, carvers, and

primarily as a result of economic and political

tourist arrivals increased during the 1980s.

sculptors also benefited from tourism. However,

change in South Africa. The Swazi government

the most widespread benefits accrued to rural

and Monarchy demonstrated its willingness to

By the end of the 1970s, the government and

workers producing handicrafts, primarily women,

join with private capital in developing tourism

the monarchy, operating separate financial

and it had been estimated that about one third

precisely when the industry was entering

institutions together invested in Swazi tourism.

of all households in Swaziland at the time have

a period of decline. The tourism industry

Indeed, without their involvement, hotels at

at least one individual involved in handicraft

attempted to reverse the decline in tourist

Nhlangano and Pigg’s Peak, away from the

production. Not all the items produced were

numbers in two ways.

Ezulwini Valley, would not have been built.

designed for the tourism market, but there were

Best of eSwatini

efforts by the Monarchy, government and the

of Tourism and Environmental Affairs was

private sector to increase the proportion.

created in 1996 to promote and support the tourism industry and wildlife conservation within

The Development of Tourism in Swaziland

an environmental framework that enhances

In 1990, compared with the mid-1970s,

management,

more tourists were visiting the country, but

addresses

they were staying for a shorter period. The

contribute towards sustainable socio-economic

Swaziland Tourism Industry was aware of

development.

amenities, conserves culture, sustains forest embraces

climate

meteorology

change

challenges

and to

the considerable excess capacity in the hotel sector. The plan was to cooperate with other

The core objectives of the ministry include

African countries, particularly Kenya and South

providing strategic leadership and strategic

Africa, in promoting Swaziland as a destination

corporate services; developing and promoting

within a more comprehensive tour package, but

the tourism sector to contribute to the economic

the distance, and lack of direct air connections

growth of the country; promoting and conserving

with major tourist generating markets, operated

the natural and cultural heritage of the Kingdom;

against us.

protecting, conserving, restoring and enhancing of the environment; safeguarding and developing

From the start, Swazi tourism was operated by

the forestry sector for the benefit of the Swazi

expatriates for expatriates and, as part of the

nation; and lastly observing weather and climate

wider and deeper process of colonisation, the

in order to provide consistent and reliable data

arrival of the newcomers led to radical changes

information.

through the provision of a platform for industry stakeholders,

in the social, cultural, and physical milieu. In

• Encourage, facilitate and promote local and

Swaziland, exploration was not followed by

The eventual creation of the Swaziland Tourism

involvement,

Authority in October 2002 introduced potential

foreign investment in the tourism industry,

visitors to “Swaziland: The Royal Experience”.

• Ensure the contribution of tourism to the

development,

consolidation,

stagnation, and decline or rejuvenation.

The STA was established by an act of

socio-economic development and continued

Instead, it led, first, to half a century of inactivity

parliament, the Tourism Authority, Act of 2001. It

improvement of quality of life in the Kingdom

and then to some 15 years of transition, with

was established as a public enterprise. In terms

of Swaziland, • Swazi tourism looks to the future.

the casino as the country’s leading attraction.

of the Act the following objectives have been

The hotels built in this period, however, were

determined for STA:

primarily for business travellers. By contrast,

• Develop the tourism sector as a national

This institution is now fully established to play

a key feature of the development stage is that

priority in an environmentally sustainable and

a leading role in the efficient and effective

culturally acceptable manner,

implementation of the National Tourism Policy.

numbers of tourists equalled or even exceeded those of the local population. The development of a tourism policy has been a major milestone achievement; The Ministry

• Coordinate and facilitate the implementation

The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) is

of government policies and strategies on

mandated to market the Kingdom of Swaziland

tourism,

as the travel destination of choice within the

• Market Swaziland as a tourism destination

country, regionally and overseas.

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The Significance of 50/50 Golden Jubilee Celebrations to Tourism The year 2018 is an extra special year in Swaziland; sights of jubilation will be commonplace because the nation is celebrating its golden jubilee; simultaneously the reigning Monarch King Mswati III is celebrating his 50th birthday. To celebrate this important Milestone the STA will establish domestic, regional and international tourism campaigns from April 2018. In this regard, STA is working closely with the local hospitality, travel, and tourism industry players in ensuring that our product offering this year continues to be globally competitive and compelling. Industry players have been all along challenged to adopt service excellence as a culture, hence the establishment of the Tekuvakasha Tourism Awards in 2016 aimed at encouraging and fostering such a culture. The STA is hosting these awards again at the end of this year. We believe that it is service excellence on all fronts that will ensure that tourists get to spend more time in the country. As part of this strategy, STA will host local, regional and international media throughout the year for familiarisation trips around national events, cultural ceremonies and festivals. We are certain these trips will generate substantial media coverage locally, regionally

country. Now in its fifth season, the programme

Indeed, Swaziland is no longer just a transit route

and internationally all in the hope of influencing

has surely influenced locals to visit some of

but is now viewed for what it is: a destination

travellers to consider discovering the beauty of

these establishments and sites.

with a diverse tourism offering. Limited budgets

the Kingdom of Swaziland.

remain a challenge, hence our marketing is STA will also attend several trade shows where

concentrated in our traditional markets (mainly

STA will also launch Season 5 of a television

we schedule and meet international tour buyers

Europe and Africa). With the availability of funds,

programme

Buhle

(trade) and media and educate them on all

we hope to penetrate new markets like the Far

Betfu, which airs on Saturday evenings. The

prospects Swaziland has to offer. This has seen

East, as well as North and South America in the

programme will be made available on DSTV to

several international tour operators include

future.

subscribers across the region. It showcases

Swaziland in their packages, something which is

various hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and

positive in relation to number of nights spent in

Nevertheless, The STA has managed to market

cultural establishments found throughout the

Swaziland.

Swaziland to the world bringing the number of

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Swazi

called

visitors to the country to over 1 million annually,

is expecting a very busy weekend during the

promise to keep the momentum that has been

a 100% increase compared to 10 years ago.

Jubilee celebrations and there is no doubt

started by the activities engaged.

A million tourists given our geographic and

that the tourism and business sectors will see

demographic size is impressive.

tremendous benefit from the influx of visitors

The Golden Jubilee year has great things

from all over the country and abroad.

in store for tourists planning to visit Swaziland; a Southern African state with a rich heritage

The Golden Jubilee is expected to inject money into the Swazi economy, as hundreds

This year, the emphasis is on influencing the

and beautiful sceneries. Traditional Ceremonies

of thousands of visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Royal guests are

increase of number days and nights spent

such as the Incwala, Reed Dance and Buganu

expected to flock to our hotels, restaurants,

in Swaziland. Even after the celebrations,

remain potential avenues for greater tourism

bars and shops. By extension, with an increase

remnants of the touristsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; presence will still be

growth and the Monarchy of Swaziland has

of visitors, comes an anticipated boom in

seen. Cultural activities and other youth targeted

often been cited as a factor that attracts tourists

certain sections of the business sector. Manzini,

activities are slated throughout the year and

to Swaziland.

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The Decade Old Marula season begins each

moon to rise after the southern hemisphere’s

year in mid-February and continues until May,

summer solstice.

bringing with it a celebration of the harvest of the Marula fruit.

The reed dance ceremony is an eight-day ceremony, where girls cut reeds and present

The main royal celebrations—Which are at

them to the queen mother and then dance. It is

least half a century old – the Incwala and the

always going to be on the last week of August

maidens’ Reed Dance are also being mined for

or first two weeks of September. Only childless,

their tourism potential without compromising

unmarried girls can take part.

the sacred nature of the Incwala or the maidens’ earnest devotion to the Queen Mother displayed

Outside the periphery of these two royal

during the Reed Dance.

ceremonies, there are thousands of celebrations that occur in communities throughout Swaziland, be

like marriages (Umtsimba) and traditional dance

reality in our modus operandi. More and more

accommodated for either event, which makes

competitions. Combine it with traditional shelters

destinations are realising the importance of

fortunate their almost surprise scheduling.

like the Swazi beehive hut, a feast of traditional

involving communities in all tourism activity so as

Royal officials will only announce the dates of

dishes, some native game roaming the veld

to impact societies positively, both socially and

these events a few days in advance. A rule of

and proximity to a traditional Swazi homestead,

economically. Modern travellers are conscious

thumb for the month long Incwala Ceremony

and the ingredients are in place for the type of

to their contribution to the entire tourism value

is that the Big Incwala, a national holiday in

authentic African experience that whets visitors’

chain, and they have a great sense of gratification

Swaziland when thousands of warriors and

appetites and which Swaziland can provide.

if revenue or tourism receipts generated by

couple

thousand

visitors

can

destinations permeate to the locals in one form

Swazis in traditional attire perform the kingship

dance at the main cattle byre at Ludzidzini royal

Sustainable Tourism is not just the new buzz word

or the other. Shewula Game Park in the eastern

residence, falls three days following the first full

in the tourism sector globally but an emerging

lowveld is an example of a community-based

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tourism initiative that offers visitors just such an experience. Mantenga Cultural Village in the cultural heart of Ezulwini also offers travellers this experience on a daily basis. We have seen local hospitality industry players coming up with packages for locals as well as special events where locals now attend and flock in their numbers throughout the country, and that, we feel, is encouraging. According to Africa Global Village this nation has had an impeccable safety record for tourists from time immemorial and furthermore has magnificent infrastructure to host tourists visiting the nation; it is for this reason that the prestigious Hilton Hotels brand is seeking to establish its presence in the capital of this nation. The nation is also packed with diverse tourist attractions; for those who enjoy conquering heights; mountain bike/horseback riding are available, additionally water-based attractions, safaris, cave tours, leisure hikes and many more are to delight the adventurous tourist. The Swaziland Tourism Authority has been capacitating Swazis to claim a significant share in the tourism cake through deliberate and targeted strategies such as trainings and capacity development. STA has trained over 200 locals in the last three years alone in running

niche that draws younger travellers who yearn

A national museum showcasing the history of

to rock climb, white-water raft, hike and explore

Swaziland is accessible and located adjacent

caves (preferably ones decorated with ancient

to the Parliament building and walking distance

San drawings). This group does not mind

from the King Sobhuza II memorial. An

roughing it in the wild, and sees no allure visiting

experience not worth leaving out as a tourist

a casino or lounging by a hotel pool. Trouble is,

could be a visit The Kingdom of Swaziland to

they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend much money as they prefer back packing and camping. On the other hand, they are giving a boost to community tourism projects because they enjoy our local culture. Tourism operators from the United Kingdom

the eye catching Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, this outdoor loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise wildlife haven showcases among other faunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; leopards, baboons, hippos, monkeys, blesbok, impala and many more.

successful tour companies as tour guides and/

have now begun offering itineraries to Swaziland

or tour operators. These trainings have been

as individual packages; this is living testimony

conducted with facilitation from the Southern

of the satisfaction tourists are experiencing after

African Tourism Services Association (SATSA)

visiting the landlocked nation. A renowned hub

products now found in trendy ethnic boutiques

and the Hospitality and Tourism Association of

for tourist activity is a valley traditionally meaning

around the world. Not only contributing to the

Swaziland (HOTAS).

the valley of Heaven; this tourist hotspot is

lives of all Swazi through the arts and crafts

called Ezulwini and is a countryside paradise

sector, but especially the Swazi women. Helping

One fast growing tour operator is Swazi Trails,

laden with exceptional curios and souvenirs for

the Swazi women secure an independent

who specialise in adventure tourism, a growing

a prospective traveller.

income to support themselves and their families.

Swaziland has a remarkably impressive range of traditional arts and crafts with many of its

Best of eSwatini

Conclusion We

have

maintained

relative

peace

and

stability over the past 50 years. We have seen an increase in Swazilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appeal as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;safe havenâ&#x20AC;? and our culture has featured increasingly in the marketing of the country as a tourism destination. We are a homogenous society, with a huge chunk of the population belonging to the Swazi with a small heterogeneous population of non-Swazi residents. The country has been described by numerous travel writers as a

Best of eSwatini

peaceful country with natural biodiversity and a

want to visit. The last sub-Saharan African

well as restaurants. It is also hard to separate

rich traditional heritage.

country to be ruled by a King draws tourists for

statistically

that very reason.

sources say most visitors are from South Africa,

In many respects, Swaziland is a modern

visitors

from

tourists.

Industry

whose numbers remain consistent as visitors

country with extensive links to the region

Swaziland was well positioned in the 1960s

from other Southern African Development

and internationally, and with a developing

through the 1990s because there was no war

Community (SADC) countries fall off because

infrastructure and a young literate population

here. In South Africa, there were international

of economic downturns in their respective

with potential to acquire technical and vocational

sanctions because of apartheid. In Mozambique

economies.

skills to make the country a haven for tourism

there was civil war. The local tourism industry

development.

experienced a remarkably strong growth under

Many arrive on business, accomplish what they

difficult circumstances.

want to do at, say, a Swaziland branch of a South

Swazilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy is open and linked to

African firm, and turn around to pass through

neighbouring countries through its trade and

Overseas interest in Swaziland has increased

the border by night without having purchased a

financial relationships. The Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peaceful

sharply

UK,

hotel bed. In 2006 Swaziland signed on to the

and secure environment, added to the beautiful

Germany and France visiting the country. The

Lubombo Route agreement along with South

and varied ecosystems compacted into a small

tourism industry measure for sales, the number

Africa and Mozambique. This agreement allows

space, is good value for money.

of bed nights sold, is increasing! Growth in bed

tourists to travel across the three countries with

nights sold are now higher.

a single visa.

with

tourists

from

Belgium,

Swazis are weary of hearing their country condemned for having a traditional African

It is difficult to ascertain how much tourism

Monarchy

and

contributes to the Swazi economy, because

are countering that this very culture makes

the Central Bank lumps tourism receipts along

Swaziland a unique place any tourist would

with all wholesale and retail businesses, as

for

its

governing

system

www.thekingdomofswaziland.com

Best of eSwatini

Destination Swaziland Bordering Mozambique in the southeast of Africa is the lush and mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, where the list of things to do is as diverse and unique as the country itself!

Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, however, it can lay claim to having spectacular landscapes, unique traditions, magnificent wildlife, as well as a selection of top class hotels and lodges. This small but scenically beautiful country of emerald peaks, rivers, ravines, rolling valleys, and waterfalls is a nature lovers Eden. And Nature Reserves are the top attraction here, and though only a few host Big Five animals (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino), all of them offer an intimate gameviewing experience, an array of activities, flourishing mountain scenery, a fascinating variety of fauna and flora, and a prolific birdlife with a rich diversity of species. Swaziland might be Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smallest destination, but it is a country with a big heart. Explore the top Swaziland tourist attractions to discover rewarding wildlife encounters, take part in adventure activities like tree top canopy tours, white water rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking, as well as a colourful local culture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all wrapped up in a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere.

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101

NATIONAL PARKS

Malolotja’s hiking trails rank among Southern

Birding is also particularly rewarding with more

Visit the natural heritage of magnificent wildlife

Africa’s finest as they offer approximately 200 km

than 300 species, including the beautiful Narina

and nature reserves in Swaziland as top of your

of hiking trails and seventeen backpacking camps

trogon. The park offers clearly marked walking

to do list, offering a variety of activities from

which allow hikers to undertake wilderness trails

paths, self-driving trails, lookout points, hiking,

adventure tourism to game and bird viewing.

from two to seven days in duration.

and bird hides. Visitors can hike the well-marked web of nature trails, mountain bike along jeep

Hlane Royal National Park

Malolotja has been recognised as one of

Held in trust for the nation by His Majesty King

southern Africa’s important bird areas, based

Mswati III, is Swaziland’s largest protected area

on the significant number of threatened species

and is home to the largest herds of game in the

recorded here. The reserve is particularly

Mlawula Nature Reserve and the Lubombo Mountains

Kingdom.

important for breeding groups of endangered

Scenic and diverse, landscapes here range from

species such as blue swallow, blue crane, bald

dry savannah to rolling green valleys and dense

Hlane means “Wilderness” in the SiSwati

ibis and Stanley’s bustard, and more than 280

riverine forests with mountains rising south to

language and is home to Lion, Leopard, Elephant

species of birds have been recorded from the

north along the Mozambique border. Wildlife is

and White Rhino, with an abundant and diverse

reserve, over half the number for Swaziland as

varied and includes 60 species of small and large

bird life.

a whole.

animals such as Wildebeest, Kudu, Impala, and

In addition to game viewing, activities here

insects, and an impressive array of plants.

include guided mountain biking, cultural visits to

Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve and Phophonyane Falls

a nearby Swazi village, birding walks, (including

About a 40-minute drive northeast from Malolotja

About 54 kilometers of roads allow self-guided

a colony of marabou storks and the highest

Nature Reserve, one can find the Phophonyane

game drives, and due to the absence of Lion

density of nesting white backed vultures in

Falls Nature Reserve. This reserve protects an

or Elephants, guests are free to enjoy safe

Africa), and overnight fully-catered bush treks.

astounding diversity of habitats in a relatively

hikes here on the walking trails, which range

small area with lush forests, rivers, waterfalls,

from short 1.5 kilometer hikes to full-day treks.

Malolotja Nature Reserve and Malolotja Falls

and scenic hiking trails.

Fishing is also popular.

This reserve is one of the most impressive

Mbuluzi Game Reserve

Mkhaya Nature Reserve

mountain parks in Southern Africa. The name

The top activity here is self-guided wildlife

Swaziland’s refuge for endangered species,

means “river with many rapids and waterfalls”

safaris to see animals such as Giraffe, Zebra,

dotted with waterholes and with a network of

for the reserve is sliced by the Malolotja River,

Kudu, Jackal, Wildebeest, and Nyala during the

game-viewing roads, this game reserve was

which forms a series of waterfalls, including the

day and possibly Hyena, Genets, Servals, and

established in 1979 to save Nguni cattle, which

country’s highest waterfalls; the Malolotja Falls.

Honey Badgers during the night.

were close to extinction, and has gone on to

tracks, and cast a line for fish in the two rivers.

Tortoises as well as 350 species of birds, many

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Best of eSwatini

include other endangered species such as the black and white Rhinos, Hippopotamus pods, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Tsessebe, Elephant and Cape Buffalo herds. Birds of note include Narina trogon, purplecrested

turaco,

grey-headed

bush-shrike,

gorgeous bushshrike and the pygmy kingfisher.

Mantenga Reserve, Village and Falls Mantenga Nature Reserve offers a fun taste of Swazi nature and culture. This small protected 725 hectares reserve is home to the Mantenga Cultural Village, a recreation of Swazi life in the 1850s. Here, visitors can learn about Swazi culture and customs, participate in activities and watch impressive performances of traditional song and dance. A highlight of the reserve is the spectacular Mantenga Falls, Swazilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous falls with the biggest volume of water (95m high). The

conservation areas and its most popular game

reserve also protects wildlife such as baboons,

reserve, home to more than 400 species of birds

Shewula Nature Reserve and Shewula Mountain Camp

vervet monkeys, bush babies, porcupine, rock

and many animals, including Zebras, Vervet

The Shewula Mountain Camp was Swazilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

hyraxes, serval, leopard, and various species

Monkeys, Crocodiles, Warthogs, Caracals,

first community-owned eco-tourism attraction

of antelope, as well as an abundance of birds.

Hippos, and Antelopes.

and offers a different kind of tourism. Visitors can partake in village walks to get to know the

Visitors can explore the reserve on foot, in their The sanctuary offers plenty of activities and

local community and its members, witness

includes game drives, nature walks, mountain

traditional song and dance performances, visit

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

biking, horseback rides, a village cultural

with a traditional healer, or enjoy the tranquil

This Sanctuary is one of Swazilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first

experience, and swimming.

natural surroundings.

own vehicles, or on mountain bike.

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103

ACTIVITIES Treetop Canopy Tours within Malolotja Nature Reserve Visitors can experience the thrill of gliding through the forest canopy within the Malolotja Nature Reserve. The canopy tour offers views of towering cliff faces and forests. Safety is paramount, and the system has been built to the highest civil engineering standards. Guides are trained professionals and this breath taking experience can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

White Water Rafting There is no shortage of thrilling activities to keep you occupied and enthralled in Swaziland, and for adventure lovers there is no greater rush than an exhilarating white water rafting trip down

Over three billion years old, this is one of

occasions, though neither of these buildings are

Swaziland’s Great Usutu River.

Swaziland’s most surprising natural attractions.

open to the public.

If you have between two and four hours to spare, This excursion is the only one of its kind in the

opt for a guided hike to the top. This is one of

However, visitors can tour the Parliament

country, and is available only through one tour

the most rewarding Swaziland tourist attractions

Building. Also in Lobamba, the Somhlolo

operator, Swazi Trails. Half-day and full-day

that promises views to remember for a lifetime.

Stadium is the venue of major cultural and

packages are available, with trained river guides

sporting events, state celebrations, concerts,

to accompany you, there is no prior experience

Lobamba

dance performances, and speeches by the

needed.

In the beautiful Ezulwini valley (the Valley of

King.

Heaven), Lobamba is Swaziland’s spiritual and

Sibebe Rock

cultural heart. This laid-back town is home

National Museum

Second only to Uluru in Australia’s Northern

to Swaziland’s monarchy as well as its most

Set in beautiful gardens, the small and modest

Territory, Sibebe Rock is the largest exposed

important buildings.

National Museum in Lobamba hosts fascinating exhibits on the history, culture, and nature of

granite dome in the world. Here, visitors will find the Lobamba Royal Village

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Swaziland.

Sitting about 10 kilometers outside the capital

with the Royal Kraal, the Parliament Building,

city of Mbabane, and unlike its Australian cousin

the National Museum, and other government

The displays include examples of traditional

(Uluru), Sibebe doesn’t suffer from tourist

buildings. The large Embo State Palace, and

dress with explanations of the significance of

overcrowding. The rock’s sheer magnitude can

the magnificent State House, built in 1978,

each piece as well as a few exhibits on the native

be felt from the base.

is used mainly for ceremonial and other state

wildlife and dioramas with typical highveld and

Best of eSwatini

lowveld habitats. Outside the Museum, visitors can explore a recreation of a Swazi kraal (village) with thatched huts. This is a great place to gain a feel for the country and its customs. This museum has some interesting displays of Swazi culture, as well as a traditional beehive village and cattle enclosure, and several of King Sobhuza IIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1940s cars.

King Sobhuza II Memorial Park Across the road from parliament, this memorial was established as a tribute to King Sobhuza II, who led Swaziland to independence from British rule in 1968. Its main highlight is a 3m-tall bronze statue of the late, revered King. There is a small museum with various pictures and documents about his life with the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mausoleum also within the park.

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105

Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA) King Mswati iii International Airport – the gateway to the majestic wonders of Swaziland.

The Mission To continuously improve our safety and security oversight performance; market King Mswati III International Airport professionally; strive to be an efficient and effective organisation responsive to our customer’s needs. Airlines

can

experience

intense

financial,

commercial and operational support in setting up new routes and in increasing capacities for passenger transport from King Mswati III International Airport.

What makes King Mswati III International Airport unique? • The King Mswati III International Airport is the

facilitate economic growth to a first world status

strategic gateway to Swaziland and South-

level. The airport was opened in 2014.

building

matches

high

• The airport has a prime location within a twohour drive from the Kruger National Park

eastern Africa for tourism and business. Located 50km from the country’s largest city Manzini, the

The Vision

airport is the Kingdom’s flagship facility in the

The Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority strives for

nationwide infrastructural investment.

safety and security in civil aviation in Swaziland, promote environmentally responsible growth of

106

terminal

international quality standards

and offers a first mover advantage to airlines seeking traffic growth • Swaziland has a growing tourism market at a rate of 5% per annum

As an airport operator, Swaziland Civil Aviation

the Swazi civil aviation sector and develop King

• The airport is in the vicinity of national parks:

Authority (SWACAA) has the objective to promote

Mswati III International Airport as a catalyst for

Hlane and Mkhaya offering an incredible safari

King Mswati III International Airport in order to

economic development.

experience

Best of eSwatini

• The district catchment area is >1 million people • Great opportunity for multiple airline operation • The traffic forecast for the airport shows a growing 34% per annum for the next 3 years • Swaziland enjoys a stable and flat seasonality King

Mswati

III

International

Airport

can

accommodate fully laden Jumbo jets and other large aircrafts. The runway is 3.6 km long and the apron covers an area of about 300m x 192m. It is designed for operations involving two Code E aircraft (Boeing 747, Boeing 777 and Airbus 340) and three Code C aircraft (ERJ135). The passenger terminal can handle and process about 300 passengers an hour, while the parking area caters for 200 vehicles. The three levels of the terminal building are: the ground floor consisting of the passenger concourse and baggage-handling facilities, the mezzanine; home to the airport staff offices and first floor which includes a passenger concourse and arrival and departure lounges.

For further information, please do not hesitate contacting SWACAA under the following email address. Email: marketing@swacaa.co.sz

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107

CHAPTER 4

arts and crafts

Arts anD Crafts Swaziland is famous for its excellent craftsmen and craftsmanship, and is home to several craft markets and shopping attractions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all uniquely Swazi.

From scenic drives around the countryside, to exciting arts and crafts, unique rock art and festivals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Swaziland will quickly capture your heart. Nsangwini Rock Art Shelter and Bushmen Paintings With a single exception, the rock art of Swaziland belongs to the Bushman tradition of expressing cultural beliefs and rituals as paintings on the walls of rock shelters and, occasionally, on free standing rock faces. Culture buffs will love this community-run archaeological site. The well-preserved paintings are under a small but impressive rock shelter, which is perched over the Komati River and offers lovely views across the mountains.

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Best of eSwatini

The cave was believed to be that of the

Arts and Crafts

Nsangwini Bushmen and features the only

Swaziland has a remarkably impressive range

known paintings of winged humans.

of traditional arts and crafts with many of its products now found in trendy ethnic boutiques

This site was one of the first to be located, in

around the world.

Swazi Market, Mbabane Mbabane, Swazilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cool-climate capital,

1958. Although it was not realised at the time, it contained more diversity of subject matter than

Throughout the country men and women are

is home to the Swazi Market. The stalls here

any found subsequently. There was one feature

hard at work creating the finest handicrafts that

brim with fresh produce, pottery, hand-made

which even at that time was thought to be

are so popular with visitors.

baskets, masks, traditional fabrics, soapstone carvings, and beaded jewelry.

unusual, namely two winged figures in dark red monochrome which stood out because of their

Creative basket-ware in vibrant colours, wood

clarity of detail on a panel separated by a crack

and

exquisite

Particularly interesting is the traditional medicine

in the rock from the rest of the painting surface.

candles, batik items, jewellery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all uniquely

center, with an impressive array of healing

Bushmen Paintings are spread all over Africa

Swazi. In many places that they are on sale,

lotions and potions. About an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive away,

with many of these paintings found all over

there is also the chance to see the craftspeople

shoppers can see more Swazi crafts, including

Swaziland, resembling the past and the

at work and marvel at their intricate skills. Many

baskets, jewelry, and textiles at Tintsaba Crafts,

everlasting lifestyle for hundreds of years

are socially responsible outlets which provide

just past the Piggs Peak Hotel. Another leading

depicting animal and human behaviors of a

both income and empowerment for their

producer from Swaziland, specialising in sisal

bygone era.

craftspeople from poorer rural communities.

baskets.

stone

carvings,

glassware,

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111

Manzini Market

wares at their villages and make their way to the

and Mozambique which are hard to find

Manzini’s main drawcard is its colourful market,

market to sell them.

elsewhere in Swaziland.

Swaziland’s biggest city, the lowveld city of

A large portion of the Manzini Market is set aside

Ngwenya Glass

Manzini, operates every Thursday, and provides

for the sale of fruits and vegetables, household

an excellent opportunity for crafters both local

items and traditional medicines while a separate

and from afar to showcase their wares.

portion of the market is devoted to an enormous

where the vibrant Manzini Market, located in

range of products which include interesting

Ngwenya Glass is regarded as Africa’s most prestigious glass factory and is one of the country’s major tourist attractions.

The market has gained a reputation as a popular

hand carved wooden pieces, traditional pottery,

tourist attraction, and houses a wide and

beautiful beadwork and embroidery, various

interesting variety of traditional Swazi arts, crafts,

leather products, and woven baskets for which

curios and other handmade items.

Swaziland is very well known.

Most of the stalls at the Manzini Market are

Also to be found at the Manzini Market are a

decorative art glass and tableware, all made

operated by women who manufacture their

large variety of fabrics from Zimbabwe, Congo

from recycled glass.

Ngwenya pieces can be found in art galleries and airport shops around the world, this superb glass-blowing factory and boutique showcases a fantastic selection of animal figurines, vases,

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Swazi Candles

Baobab Batik

techniques that have been passed onto local

The Swazi Candles Craft Market is a unique

Baobab Batik is a social enterprise, founded by

Swazi craftsmen since the opening in August

shopping center showcasing work by local

Els Hooft in 1991. Wishing to follow her passion

1987.

artisans and is another one of the most famous

of creating batiks, as well as offering sustainable

handicraft outlets in Southern Africa. Among

work opportunities for women, with the vision to

Pieces range from decorative animal bowls, to

the boutiques and gift shops of this outdoor

be a leading example in Swaziland and beyond,

everyday items such as wine glasses and wine

complex is Swazi Candles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a colorful collection

of a social enterprise using thought leadership

stoppers, to unique chess sets and corporate

of paraffin wax candles, scented beauty

and innovation to empower women and develop

gifts. Visitors can also watch the glass blowing

products, and other gifts.

the batik art form.

The candles are molded by hand into several

Since then Baobab Batik has evolved into a

The

factory

uses

age-old

glass

blowing

process safely from a viewing platform above the workshop.

standard and animal shapes with lively patterns

thriving enterprise employing 35 artisans full

This renowned artistry is very famous and can

and beautiful designs. These candles are always

time producing genuine batik-work of beautiful

be considered as a prime Swazi tourism sector

of unique design. The Swazi candle has been

printed wall hangings, clothing and cushion

directly contributing to the economy.

functioning since 1981.

covers. Their best known batiks are vibrant

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in colour and depict the African sunset. Batik making is a fairly long process, but the results are always a surprise, so no item is ever the same. They have one shop located at Swazi Candles craft centre and one at Malandela’s Restaurant, both are tourist centers in Malkerns.

House On Fire, Malkerns Set in beautiful farmlands with the mountains of Mllilwane as a backdrop and lauded as one of the most eclectic entertainment venues in the world. Vast differences of architectural and artistic styles connect in harmony, reinforcing the underlying theme of cultural meeting points. It is a fantasyscape which entices and inspires, encouraging the viewer to wander and explore the flow of the venue. The changing moods traverse the emotional landscape – from playful humour and fabulous colour – to the profound and the thought provoking. If the artistic ambience of House on Fire lights up

and soapstone is quarried from the highveld of

Bahle Gallery in Mbabane. They both represent

Swaziland, where it lies in abundance.

the best artists in Swaziland and organise new exhibitions on a regular basis.

your soul, their in-house design studio creates

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pieces of art allowing aficionados to take a piece

AT A GLANCE

of the fire home.

Art: Swaziland has a vibrant and exciting

Carvings and Sculpture: Swaziland has a

contemporary art scene with fine artists,

fine tradition of carving, both in wood and

Of particular importance to the works is the

sculptors and photographers. To see the best

stone. Various wooden items can be found

sensitive use of locally sourced materials.

contemporary art exhibitions visit Yebo Art

in craft markets around the country – mostly

Wooden pieces are made from invasive trees,

Gallery which is situated in Ezulwini and or

functional pieces. Stone carvers work largely

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ranges from ethnic pieces incorporating such natural products as seedpods and feathers, to fine items in gold and silver. You will find many Jewellery outlets in Markets in towns such as Manzini and Mbabane as well as some small outlets in the Mantenga area. Quazi Design, based in Mbabane with a shop at Ngwenya Glass, transform discarded waste magazines into original accessories. Mohair Weaving: Coral Stephens established a workshop in the Piggs Peak area over 60 years ago, teaching traditional skills to local women, and producing a range of fine, hand-woven fabrics that sell worldwide. Tsandza Weaving, have a hand weaving with soapstone, turning their skilled hands to

which produce and export a wide range of

workshop based in Lomah Eco Village, south of

everything from palm-sized ashtrays to larger-

products and employ hundreds of local women,

Matsapha, and create a similar range of products

than-life human sculptures.

making a major contribution to their surrounding

using traditional techniques. Both enterprises

communities.

employ many local women.

Grass Weaving: Most markets and craft stalls display beautifully patterned baskets woven

Jewellery:

As well as the many traditional arts and crafts

from grass or sisal and coloured with natural

beadwork, used in bracelets, anklets, necklaces

in Swaziland, there are many artisan food

dyes. Tintsaba, near Piggs Peak and Gone Rural

and

producers too, such as Eswatini Kitchen, Black

at Malandelas are two impressive enterprises

conveyed in the patterns and motifs. Today it

other

Traditional

Swazi

accessories,

with

jewellery

messages

Mamba Chilli and Bulembu Honey.

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CHAPTER 5

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

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FESTIVALS Experiencing Swaziland’s rich culture and friendly people are definite highlights of a visit here, with colourful and joyous traditional festivals that are now recognised around the world.

Umhlanga, or Reed Dance Ceremony

This Swazi cultural event is performed as a

Travelers are welcome to watch some of the

centuries in time. It is largely private, however

celebrations of the main festivals, namely

it’s final two public days (normally a Sunday and

the Umhlanga, the animated Reed Dance

Monday) are a spectacle that is unrivalled in

ceremony, which is Swaziland’s most famous

Africa today.

tribute to the Royal Family and dates back

festival. Taking place during the last week of August or first week of September each year,

Thousands upon thousands of maidens dress

when young women from around the country

up in brightly coloured attire and sing and dance

come to participate in a joyful song and dance

together as they deliver the Reed or Umhlanga

performance.

to the Royal Residence. Their enjoyment of this ceremony is quite apparent as they use the

This is Swaziland’s best known cultural event,

opportunity of bonding with girls of similar ages

and has a more open feel than the Incwala.

from across the country.

Umhlanga, or Reed Dance ceremony, is an annual Swazi and Zulu event. In Swaziland,

As the maidens dance, warriors and other

tens of thousands of unmarried and childless

spectators often join the dance Kugiya or throw

Swazi girls and women travel from the various

money at their feet in appreciation of their

Chiefdoms to the Ludzidzini Royal Residence to

skill. A traveller lucky enough to witness this

participate in the eight-day event, where young

event will appreciate its special purpose in

girls cut reeds and present them to the Queen

bonding the nation, instilling good morals

Mother (Indlovukazi) – to repair the windbreak

(virginity is essential for attendance) and

around her Royal Residence – and then dance

allowing rural girls to travel outside of their home

in celebration.

areas.

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The Incwala

Incwala Lenkhulu. A number of activities — such

This is Swaziland’s most important cultural

as lusekwane, kuhlamahlama, and umdvutjulwa

event and a national event that takes place

— mark the key events of this age old tradition.

during the summer solstice, the Incwala unites the country and celebrates the beginning of the

A ceremony that has lasted for hundreds of

harvest season.

years, it is one of the last remaining examples of what was previously common practice in

In December and January, Incwala is an

many African countries; often translated as

impressive Kingship ritual lasting about three

“First Fruits Festival” the tasting of the first of the

weeks. At the beginning of the celebrations,

seasons bounty by the King is only one part of

representatives of the Bemanti people bring

this long ritual.

water from the main rivers of Swaziland, gathered at the new moon. Young men then

It has a spiritual power that is largely lost on

build a royal kraal at Lobamba from branches of

outsiders, and indeed many of its inner workings

the lusekwane tree and other plants. The climax

remain shrouded in secrecy. Essentially this is

is reached on the “great day,” when the King,

about cleansing and renewal, and – above

clad in his finest robes, symbolically tastes the

all – celebrating Kingship. Although not a

first fruits of the harvest followed by cheerful

tourism event per se, visitors with an interest

song and dance.

in Swaziland culture are always welcomed. Respect for total privacy is required on certain

Incwala is the main ritual of Kingship in the

special days when the nation gathers for its own

Kingdom of Swaziland, with the main person

focus, without outside interference.

in Incwala being the King of Swaziland; when

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there is no King there is no Incwala. Incwala

Every Swazi may take part in the public parts

takes place over a period of time of about a

of the Incwala, while spectators are permitted

month, starting with the small Incwala; Incwala

but not actively encouraged – and you may not

Lencane, and culminating in the big Incwala;

take photographs except by special permit. The

best day to attend is Day four of the Big Incwala,

branches in between poles of the “Inhlambelo”,

on chairs/mats, shaking hands, scratching,

when the feasting and dancing reach a climax,

the King’s private sanctuary.

singing and dancing.

including warriors in full battle regalia – thronging

Day 3 – Morning

Day 6 – Day of the Log

the royal parade grounds. The songs, dances

Young boys cut branches of the black

The regiments march to a forest and return

and rituals that take place inside the royal kraal

“Imbondvo”

willow/combretum

with firewood, where the elders prepare a

remain a matter of utmost secrecy and may not

apiculatum) and these are then added to the

great fire in the centre of the cattle byre. On it,

be recorded or written down.

“Inhlambelo.”

certain objects are burnt, signifying the end of

and where you will see thousands of people –

(red

bush

the old year, while the key players dance and The event takes place around the last week of

Day 3 – Afternoon

sing inside the cattle byre. The King remains

December / first week of January. The dates for

A bull charges out, the Lusekwane boys catch

in seclusion until the next full moon, when

the event are released relatively close to the time

and overpower the beast and return it to the

the “Lusekwane” branches are then removed

as they derive from ancestral astrology.

sanctuary.

and burnt.

The full sequence of the Big Incwala is as follows:

Day 4 – Main Day

Do’s and Don’ts of the Incwala

All the key players perform in a spectacular

· Females should wear skirts or sarongs

pageant inside the cattle byre; the King and the

· Men should not wear hats or any head gear

Day 1 – Dispersing of regiments (Tingaja)

regiments appear in full war-dress and dance to

Unmarried male youths set off from Engabezweni

a number of songs, then emerging to throw the

Royal residence and march 50km to cut

sacred gourd (Luselwa), which is caught on a

branches of the sacred shrub (lusekwane) under

black shield by one of the Lusekwane boys.

the light of the full moon, accompanied by Emabutfo.

that is not traditional · Shoes are worn at the ceremony but not on the dance arena · Do take pictures at the ceremony but not of the Inhlambelo (King’s private sanctuary)

Day 5 – Day of Abstinence

· Please use restrooms

The King sits in seclusion in the “great hut”.

· Do sing, dance, encourage and uphold unity

Day 2 – Dropping the Lusekwane

The “bemanti” roam the royal capital in daylight

The boys place their lusekwane branches in the

hours, enforcing the rules of this day. No sexual

national cattle byre. The elders then weave these

contact, bathing, wearing decorations, sitting

amongst Swazis · Do inform friends and tourists of prohibitions during Incwala

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The Buganu / Marula Festival

ingredient, with huge fertility properties. The

• Marula essential oils is an effective skin

The Marula season begins each year in mid-

King and Queen mother are presented with

conditioner. Its cosmetic and anti-oxidant

February and continues until May, bringing with

Marula gifts and some Marula beer from each

properties soften, soothe and re-hydrate the

it a celebration of the harvest of the marula fruit.

household. Only after the royal family has

Once the green fruits fall to the ground, women

had some of the beer, is the rest of the nation

and children gather and store them until they

permitted to join in and drink as well.

ripen to a creamy yellow colour. The fruits are

food source, magical qualities as a healing ingredient, to its virility and fertility properties,

then placed into water where sugar is added

Because of its many uses, the marula fruit is no

as well as the many uses of its bark, leaves,

and it is fermented, and distilled into a beer.

longer just used to brew beer in Swaziland. It has been further developed into beauty products

fruit, nut and kernels.

This potent alcoholic mixture is called buganu, or marula beer.

as part of Her Majesty, The Indlovukazi’s job creation and poverty alleviation initiatives for

The Kingdom of Swaziland celebrates the start

rural women in Swaziland.

of the Marula season with the annual Marula

Sequence of Events • On the first day, the Queen Mother arrives at Buhleni Royal Residence, and the women of the area present bucket-loads of marula fruit

festival. The festival is increasing in popularity,

The marula products are produced under a

and is swiftly becoming one of the country’s

company called Swazi Secrets; a well-fitting

most exciting traditional ceremonies. Each year

name for the secret of the marula fruit. The

King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi,

fruit has been developed into many different

the Queen Mother, make their way to various

beauty products. These products also come

regions of the Kingdom to celebrate the

in hotel packages and gift packages. For more

beginning of the Marula Season.

information about these products visit: www.

Marula Brew – Umganu – is presented to

swazisecrets.com

Their Majesties, who partake of the brew and

Residence at Ebuhleni where the royal family join the nation in song and dance. Although the Marula Fruit is found widely throughout Africa, it

Marula Quick Facts • Marula fruit contains four times more valuable vitamin C than oranges.

is most popular in Swaziland. Seen by the Swazi

• Marula edible seed oil is rich in nutritious

nation as much more than a food source, the

proteins and minerals and contains active

Marula is rather regarded as a magical healing

anti-oxidants.

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harvested over the last week. All the women are dressed in traditional clothing and respect is shown, praise and thanks are given. • On the second day, the main day, the King usually joins the Queen Mother and the

declare the season open. This is celebrated

The largest of these festivals is held at the Royal

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skin while fighting free radicals. • Marula legends abound – from its use as a

by song and dance, specific to the occasion. • Following this, the marula brew; buganu, is officially blessed and may be consumed across the country. • A second event of similar rituals is held at Hlane Royal Residence.

These festivals are living cultural events that, bar the odd wristwatch and mobile phone, have hardly changed in two hundred years. Visitors are allowed to watch, but neither ceremony makes any concession to tourism; even the precise dates are not published in advance, being dependent on the vagaries of ancestral astrology. The main events happen at the royal parade grounds at Ludzidzini but the mood of celebration sweeps the nation, and visitors to the country around the time of the events will doubtlessly see wandering bands of warriors or maidens decked out in full regalia as they head to or from the festivities. This is a time for the Swazi people to come together and celebrate their rich heritage for the Swazi people of today and the Swazi people of the future.

www.thekingdomofswaziland.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS The cheerful and friendly Swazi people have upheld their rich culture and traditions as a vital element in their day-to-day lives; with colorful festivals and ceremonies being held to celebrate the Swazi way of life. In addition to the three main cultural events; the Umhlanga, the Incwala and the Marula Festival, festivities and celebrations in Swaziland are carried out year-round, it is good to note however that Swazi cultural events in particular are subject to minor changes in dates, as the official announcements of these events are often only a week or two in advance.

MID FEBRUARY – EARLY MARCH

various regions of the Kingdom to celebrate the

full Kingly powers upon independence from the

beginning of the Marula Season.

British Empire on 6 September, 1968.

Marula Festival (Ebuhleni)

Marula Festival (Hlane)

Because Mswati III was born during the same

The Marula season begins each year in mid-

The Swazis hold an annual Marula Festival

year that Swazi independence was gained,

February and continues until early March,

celebrated at the Royal Residence of the King at

the King’s Birthday is also viewed as a kind of

bringing with it a celebration of the harvest of

Hlane in the Lubombo Region of Swaziland. Both

independence celebration.

the marula fruit and a tribute to the riches of

the King and the Queen Mother are presented

Mother Nature.

with Marula beer from each household, in

25 APRIL – National Flag Day

keeping with it being a ‘fruit fit for Kings.’ Only

Every 25 April is National Flag Day in Swaziland.

afterwards can Swazis drink their home brew.

This holiday looks back to the raising of

Locally known as ‘Emaganwini’, this festival is

Swaziland’s flag and the lowering of the

a time of song, dance and celebration of this

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diverse fruit – used not just in delightful beer, but

19 APRIL – The King’s Birthday

British flag in 1968, when Swaziland gained

also in skin care products and medicine.

Celebrating King Mswati III’s Birthday. On 19

its independence. The flag itself, however, was

April, 1968, Makhosetive Dlamini, later renamed

introduced by King Sobhuza II in 1941.

Each year King Mswati III and Her Majesty the

Mswati, was born to Sobhuza II, King of

Indlovukazi the Queen Mother make their way to

Swaziland. However, Sobhuza only assumed

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The flag of Swaziland is very colourful and very

unique. It has two blue stripes, standing for

this list, recently named as one of the “Top 30

Immediately after independence, Swaziland had

peace, a red stripe, standing for bloodshed in

international festivals“ named on the EVERFEST

a constitutional monarchy that limited the King’s

the nation’s wars, and two thin yellow stripes,

FEST 300 list.

powers to a degree. But in 1972, Sobhuza sent

representing this small nation’s rich natural resources.

Swaziland’s parliament home and decided to More than a music festival, the MTN Bushfire is

rule as absolute monarch. He ruled until his

a holistic experience made up of a rich texture

death on 21 August, 1982.

A shield appears in the middle of the flag,

of arts, cultures, crafts, food markets, and

representing the protection of Swaziland’s

specialised zones that combine to create an

Despite taking control as absolute monarch, the

people, while two spears stand for the power

explosive three-day event and a memorable

people of Swaziland look favourably on King

of Swaziland’s royal house. The fact that the

take home experience. – www.bush-fire.com

Sobhuza II because he helped the economy to

shield is part black and part white symbolises black and white populations of Swaziland living together in peace.

Imvelo MTB Classic (Mlilwane)

Major Flag Day activities in Swaziland include official flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and patriotic speeches.

held every June at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary sponsored by Nedbank Swaziland and Big over different distances, the longest being

prosper and led in major positive social changes. He also helped preserve the cultural traditions of his people in the midst of these changes. He is much respected even after his death, and the people remember him as a great Swazi leader every year.

JULY

64km, and is followed by a party for all cyclists.

MTN Bushfire modern

Imvelo is an annual mountain biking competition

Game Parks. It comprises of a series of races

MAY

The

JUNE

event

There are four routes allowing cyclists of all that

has

gained

Ngwenya Glass Mountain Bike Challenge

abilities to enjoy Mlilwane: The International Tool

international reputation in far fewer years is

Hire 64km Classic, The 35km Challenge, The

the MTN Bushfire Festival – a performing arts

Spur 22km Family Fun Race and The 12.5km

festival held every May.

Hoglets.

An annual performing arts festival held over

22 JULY – Public Holiday

a long May weekend at House on Fire,

The late King Sobhuza II’s birthday falls on 22

Malandela’s. It is one of the biggest and best of

July and continues to be commemorated out of

its kind in southern Africa, with everything from

respect to the sovereign’s memory. Although he

live music and theatre to film, workshops and a

died in 1982, the Kings Father’s Birthday is kept

This challenge has three different routes to take

global food fair.

because of the great importance of Sobhuza II

part in – the 70km Marathon, 40km Classic and

in Swaziland’s history.

27km Family Ride.

award in 2017, hailed by CNN as one of the “7

King Sobhuza II reigned for 82 years and

Profits from the Ngwenya Glass Mountain Bike

African music festivals you really have to see,”

oversaw the independence of Swaziland from

Challenge are used to develop community

and listed by BBC as a “Top African Festival,”

the United Kingdom. A regent ruled during his

projects in the Motshane Valley.

MTN Bushfire can now add a new accolade to

early years, but he still ruled directly for 61 years.

www.mtb.ngwenyaglass.co.sz

A Mountain Bike race held annually at the Ngwenya Glass Factory. Swaziland is a mountain bikers dream, with amazing scenery and a diverse array of possible routes at many different altitudes. Due to the race being at high altitude it is great for high altitude training for other longer events and races.

Winner of the “African Best Responsible Event“

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125

JULY Epilepsy Golf (Ngwenya)

Situated in Sidvokodvo, a town in central Swaziland, south of Manzini, Riders Ranch boasts great biking facilities not only for the rally

Annual golf tournament funding educational

but for other events as well. The Ranch offers

structures and enhancing the livelihood of those

everything that you want for a Biker’s Event

living with or affected by epilepsy.

Venue.

Hipnotik Festival (Ezulwini) A Hip Hop festival that takes place in Swaziland every year.

AUGUST Sibebe Survivor (Mbuluzi) Sibebe Survivor is a much anticipated and very successful annual fund raising event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mbabane/Mbuluzi, which challenges participants up and down Sibebe Rock; the world’s largest granite dome. In order to minimise the environmental impact there is a limit of 5,000 participants at each event. Water is provided to all walkers, as well as breakfast following the walk at the foot of the rock.

Out of the initial attendees a few have never missed a Swazi Rally. They have seen the trees that were planted growing over the years and they now claim ownership of those trees. The journey to the site comprises of picturesque scenery along meandering roads with lots of twists and turns. This large biking event attracts bikers from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland who cram the entire site for a weekend of fun.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER – TBA Umhlanga/Reed Dance (Ludzidzini) The Umhlanga Reed Dance is an eight-day

All proceeds raised are to benefit people and

long event in Swaziland, and is based on a

communities less privileged in Swaziland.

centuries-old royal tradition. In its current form, it was instituted by Swazi King Sobhuza II in

Swazi Rally (last weekend August – Sidvokodvo Rider Ranch)

the 1940’s. Umhlanga is marked with a public holiday on the first Monday of September.

This is an annual biker’s event which has always

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Best of eSwatini

been held during the last wekend in August at

During Umhlanga, literally tens of thousands of

Riders Ranch in Sidvoko since 1993. The Rally

Swazi women from all across the nation attend

has always been held over the last weekend in

the Reed Dance at the royal village of Ludzidzini.

August. Riders Ranch caters for on and off road

It is a private event, until the last two days when

riders making it a fun event for all bikers.

it goes public.

OCTOBER Inyatsi Swazi Frontier (Malolotja to Piggs Peak) This annual mountain bike race is held over three days in the north-west corner of Swaziland every October. The route is carefully designed to showcase some of Swaziland’s most spectacular and scenic mountains and valleys, from Malolotja to Piggs Peak.

Dates for the event are announced relatively

surrounded by the British Cape Colony, it was

close to the time as the precise timing of the

only a “protectorate” of the British crown. And

event is determined using ancestral astrology.

this status only began in 1906.

Swaziland International Trade Fair (Mavuso)

As early as 1921, a Swazi legislature came

This annual exhibition event is held over 10

it only allowed white representatives in an

days at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition

overwhelmingly black country. Also in 1921,

Centre in Manzini and receives support from

Sobhuza II became “leader” of Swaziland and

the King and government. Attracting over

initiated a movement to protect his nation’s

35 000 exhibitors from different private and

cultural identity.

into existence, though it was a farce since

public sector institutions, as well as foreign companies and governments.

When “real” elections were finally held in 1964,

The route is a journey and cyclists stay in comfortable accommodation at different “race villages” along the route each night.

LATE DECEMBER / EARLY JANUARY Incwala Swaziland’s most important cultural event. A ceremony that has lasted for hundreds of years, and is one of the last remaining examples of what was previously common practice in many African countries.

all seats were won by nationalist-supporting The Swaziland International Trade Fair (SITF)

candidates. Only four years later, Britain let

Although often translated as ‘first fruits festival’,

aims to promote Swaziland’s goods and

Swaziland go its own way. In 1968, it became

the tasting of the first of the season’s bounty is

services; develop links between Swaziland

an independent constitutional monarchy, and in

only one part of this long rite. Essentially this

and international businesses; provide business

1973, it became an absolute monarchy.

is about cleansing and renewal, and – above

exposure; and promote development of Small and Medium Enterprises.

SEPTEMBER Somhlolo Day (6th September)

all – celebrating Kingship. Although not a Today, special Independence Day events are

tourism event per se, visitors with an interest in

held annually in the Somhlolo National Stadium

Swaziland culture are always welcomed.

in the nation’s capital city of Lobamba, with local, smaller celebrations and patriotic or cultural

Other Holidays

displays happening throughout the country.

1 January – New Year

Independence Day (Somhlolo), a national

March/April – Good Friday and Easter Sunday

IV), who was King between 1805 and 1839, and

King’s Cup Golf Extravaganza (TBA – Royal Swazi Golf Club)

often referred to as ‘Somhlolo’ (The Wonder).

This annual golf tournament is held at the

1 May – May Day

Royal Swazi Golf Club, one of only two 18-hole

10 May – Ascension Day

courses in the country.

22 July – Public Holiday

holiday named after King Sobhuza I (Ngwane

Somhlolo Day is the name for “Independence Day” in Swaziland, and it is celebrated every 6

19 April – Birthday of King Mswati lll 25 April – National Flag Day

25 December – Christmas Day

September, the day in 1968 when Swaziland

A product of King Mswati’s 2004 Job Creation

gained its independence from the British Empire.

Summit, this event is held in honour of His

26 December – Boxing Day

Majesty King Mswati III (who is both the Patron Swaziland, the traditional homeland of the

and Host) and attracts business people from

Swazi people, was under colonial rule relatively

South Africa and around the region, bringing

briefly and somewhat incompletely. Though

visitors to the region of Ezulwini.

www.thekingdomofswaziland.com www.publicholidays.africa

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CHAPTER 6

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Ease of Doing Business Overview The Swazi economy is closely linked to the South African economy, from which it receives over 87% of its imports and to which it sends about 70% of its exports. Swaziland’s other key trading partners are the United States and the EU, from which the country has received preferential trade terms for apparel exports – under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – to the US and for sugar exports to the EU. Under these agreements, both apparel and sugar exports have done well, with rapid growth and a strong inflow of foreign direct investment both observed. With a limited domestic market, export-oriented industries are the backbone of Swaziland’s economy, which is influenced by global trends, commodity prices and capital flows. About 50% of the country’s products, including sugar, coal and citrus are sold internationally. More than 50% of Swaziland’s exports are to South Africa, which provides a diverse consumer profile, a high-potential market and geographic proximity, all of which make it a natural target for Swaziland. Inevitably, South Africa’s economic performance has a major influence on the local economic climate.

Investment Trends The manufacturing and processing sectors have been the major contributors to economic growth over the years. This has been due to successive governments’ commitment to increasing the sectors contribution through a variety of incentives. Recently tourism has been nurtured to further boost economic growth. In an endeavor to broaden and sustain the manufacturing sector, Swaziland is shifting its focus to high value investments, mainly to attract efficiency-seeking mediumsized technical companies. Such investments are in a better position to sustain the economy, absorb the available human resources and lift exports. Areas of investment that are promoted include food processing and agri-business, BPO & contact centres, electronic component assembly (white goods), energy, mining, timber and sugar value addition, pharmaceuticals and light engineering.

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Currency: The Lilangeni (Emalangeni plural) is

major international currencies. Again, this has

the national currency and is tied to the South

been due to the careful balancing of fiscal and

African Rand under the Monetary Agreement.

monetary policies.

Other signatories to the agreement are Lesotho and Namibia. South African notes are legal

Commercial Banks: Swaziland has three

tender in Swaziland. The monetary arrangement

privately owned commercial banks and a

between South and Swaziland dates back to

development bank. These are: First National

when both countries used the British Pound

Bank, Nedbank Swaziland, and Standard

Sterling.

Bank Swaziland. The Swaziland Development Bank (Swazi Bank) is a government owned

Interest Rates: For the first time since 2003,

development commercial bank.

local interest rates fell below those in South

• Swazi Bank

Africa by 50 basis points and as inflationary

Swazi Bank was established in 1965 by the late

pressures eased, the discount rate fell five times

King Sobhuza II. Its main objectives were the

by a total of 450 basis points to reach 7%. It is

provision of loans to smallholder farmers and

expected that the lower cost of borrowing will

low cost housing projects. Today it is known

be an incentive to potential investors.

as Swazi Bank and its mandate has changed to incorporate developmental finance and other banking solutions to meet the nation’s

inflation to ensure that there are real benefits

demands. Swazi Bank has become a major

to be realised by investors in the country.

player in the financial sector and continues to

With a strong macroeconomic environment

generate profits despite the high risk mandate

and stable monetary policies, the inflation rate

it must adhere to. Through all its positive

The Central Bank of Swaziland is the bank of

has been kept in check for the past few years.

services and contributions to society, the bank

issue within the country’s financial structure. It

The trend has been for rates to fluctuate in a

has achieved many performance awards,

was established as the monetary authority in

4% – 6% band, which has helped to moderate

1974 under the Monetary Authority Order of the

commodity price rises. The average inflation

• First National Bank

same year, empowering the bank to monitor,

rate is 5.3%. The somewhat predictable

First National Bank has operated in Swaziland

regulate and develop Swaziland’s financial

inflation environment settles well with the

since 1995, with branches throughout the

infrastructure.

strengthening of the local currency relative to

country. The business and corporate division

Financial Services

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Inflation: Government has effectively managed

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attracting international attention.

provides working capital and term funding structures for business and commercial operations

throughout

Swaziland.

The

treasury department caters for all local and foreign market transacting and offers expert international banking advice and information. â&#x20AC;˘ Nedbank Swaziland Nedbank offers a wide range of services that cater for all client groups. The bank makes sustained efforts to accommodate all its clients. Nedbank is the only financial institution listed on the local stock exchange. â&#x20AC;˘ Standard Bank Standard Bank Swaziland has been operating in the country since 1988, and is the largest commercial bank in the country in terms of capital and assets. It is a member of the Standard Bank Group.

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Infrastructure

and large sized businesses are found.

Swaziland has modern infrastructural facilities suitable

for

companies

export-oriented seeking

and

reduce

global

operating/

The industrial sites are fully serviced with reliable infrastructure and utilities including:

production costs and gain a foothold in global

• Competitively priced factory buildings readily

export markets, while at the same time benefiting

available from the Ministry of Commerce,

from a safe and well-established base location.

Industry and Trade, the Swaziland Industrial Development

Key facilities include: reasonably priced and

Company

and

private

developers.

reliable utilities; modern road infrastructure

• A regionally linked electricity supply network

and railway networks; reliable haulage and

that provides a reliable and competitively

courier services; and sophisticated banking and insurance facilities.

priced service to all businesses. • A well developed and robust telecommunications system (including mobile cellular

Swaziland has developed excellent industrial estates in key urban centres, where medium

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system). • Abundant and consistent water supply.

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135

the reducing balance method, over the lifetime of the asset.

Investment Incentives and Guarantees

The Government of Swaziland has identified specific areas in which it is seeking to bolster

Hotel construction and improvement allow-

The Government of Swaziland has committed

investment

direct

ance: 50% of the cost is deductible in the year in

itself

investment), and for such areas there exists a

which it is incurred on the construction of a new

special corporate tax incentive.

hotel or beneficial improvements to an existing

facilitating

the

establishment

productive enterprises and reducing the burden

(either

local

foreign

of operating expenses and private corporation

136

hotel. In addition, an annual allowance of 4% of

tax. Consequently, a number of incentives have

For investments in areas such as manufacturing,

been put in place that qualifying investments

mining, agri-business, tourism and international

may take advantage of.

financial services the Minister of Finance has

Buildings (and improvements thereto) used

the prerogative to nominate a certain investing

to house manufacturing plant and machinery:

Government encourages economic develop-

company as crucial for the development

40% initial allowance in the first year of use and

ment through private sector initiatives. Foreign

of Swaziland. With cabinet approval, these

an additional 4% allowance thereafter.

and local investment in all business sectors are

nominated

welcome. The following are examples of the

incentives including a 10% corporate tax rate

Employee housing allowance: 20% in the first

investment incentives available to investors.

for 10 years and an exemption from withholding

year and 10% per annum for the ensuing eight

taxes on dividends for the same.

years.

Tax Incentives Developmental Approval Order

Capital Allowances

Farming: Certain capital expenditure is tax-

This tax incentive is available to investors

Plant and machinery used in the process of

deductible, but the total deduction in any year

qualifying as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;development enterpriseâ&#x20AC;? as

manufacture: 50% initial allowance in the first

of assessment is limited to 30% of the gross

defined by the relevant guidelines.

year of use and a 10% annual allowance, using

income derived by the farmer from farming

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investing

companies

such expenditure is allowed.

receive

operations. Any amount disallowed is carried forward and added to expenditure in the succeeding year.

Duty Free Access on Capital Goods Capital goods imported into the country as intermediate goods (to be used as inputs for final products) are exempted from import duties.

Duty Free Access on Raw Materials Raw materials imported into Swaziland for the production of goods destined beyond SACU as exports are also exempted from import taxes.

Export Credit Guarantee Scheme Investors who manufacture/process for export markets can obtain funds from local banks to process their orders. The Government of Swaziland, through the Central Bank of Swaziland, guarantees loans for this purpose.

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Repatriation of Profits

Five Year Work and Residence Permits

In recent years, bureaucratic procedures have

allow full repatriation of profits and dividends of

These are available for expatriate directors,

potential investors.

enterprises operating in the country. Repatriation

senior management and key technical personnel

is also allowed for salaries of expatriates and

of new enterprises.

This has included the removal of duties on

capital repayments.

imports of raw materials and machinery and a

Liberalised

foreign

exchange

mechanisms

been revised in order to reduce the burden on

GUARANTEES Legal Protection of Investments Investments in Swaziland are protected from undue expropriation under the Swaziland Investment Promotion Act of 1998. In addition,

• Nondiscriminatory

reduced corporate tax rate. Additional benefits treatment

• 100%

foreign

ownership

Multilateral

• Guarantees

Agency

(MIGA) which provides for added legal protection of investments.

foreign

investments; • Guaranteed repatriation of funds;

Guarantee

foreign

investments;

Swaziland is a member of the World Bank’s Investment

against

expropriation

and

government interference; • Allowance to bring in expatriate technical and

include depreciation allowances for company assets, an Export Credit Guarantee Scheme, and human resources training rebates. Following approval by the Commissioner of Taxes, a rebate of 150% of the cost of training schemes can be written against tax.

senior staff. The government has provided additional support

Provision for Loss Cover

to the industry by constructing competitively-

company to carry forward a loss incurred in the

VALUE PROPOSITION Investment Support

year of assessment, and set it off against future

The Swazi government has taken direct steps

lowers the start-up hurdles for investors who are

assessable income.

to assist investors in the manufacturing industry.

new to the country.

The unlimited loss-carry forward allows a

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priced factory shells. This available infrastructure

Location and Market Access Swaziland’s enviable location in southern Africa makes local and international trade simple. It is positioned between South Africa and Mozambique, thus placing it at the centre of the transport grid within this block.

network ensures that exports are able to regional

markets

in the country is often considered quite

where goods are cleared for export outside the

reasonable.

country, thus making exporting from Swaziland

The country’s well developed road and rail reach

Swaziland has developed an inland dry port,

hassle-free.

The

telecommunications, rail and road infrastructure extends to many SADC and COMESA countries.

no different than shipping from the coast.

Safe and Stable Location Swaziland’s relaxed culture and stability make

Cost of Doing Business

living and working in the country an appealing

Swaziland’s low cost of doing business is a

proposition.

notable asset, particularly when considering labour costs. South Africa is one of the country’s

There is very little crime, and the small size of

greatest competitors, but its labour rates can

the nation makes doing business a friendly,

reach as much as triple those for comparable

relationship-driven experience. The Monarchy

neighbouring

positions in Swaziland. This becomes significant

and democratically elected parliament have

countries’ seaports: the Richards Bay and

when considering the labour-intensive tasks

maintained a unified, sound, and peaceful

Durban seaports in South Africa are just 400km

involved in textile and garment production.

environment that encourages business growth.

and Maputo, in Mozambique, is only 250km

Because of the generally low cost of living

Collectively,

away.

in Swaziland, the cost of conducting business

Swaziland the ideal place to establish a business.

Exporting products from Swaziland is made easier

the

proximity

and 600km away from Swaziland, respectively, these

characteristics

make

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139

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Agriculture Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of Swazilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy and a great contributor to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP, with a 12.7% share in 2007/8. However, a greater proportion of GDP is indirectly related to agriculture as a significant part of the manufacturing sector is value-added through the processing of agricultural products like timber, fruits and sugar cane. The sector is a major source of employment for over 70% of the rural population. The diverse agricultural activities that take place in the country include sugar cane, citrus fruit, cotton, maize and other cereal production, as well as forestry, livestock and other undertakings which generate foreign exchange earnings.

Sector Opportunities for Investment Areas of potential investment exist within the following areas: Baby Vegetables: Swaziland has an agricultural marketing agency which supports farmers growing a variety of vegetables for export but also the local market. Farmers in Swaziland are slowly penetrating this business opportunity but there is a need for a constant raw material supply of baby vegetables. Vegetable Drying: Most vegetables consumed in the country are fresh; hence they are seasonal in nature. Opportunities exist for much greater exports

and

vegetables.

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local

consumption

dried

Processed Meat: Swaziland is an importer of meat in general and this extends to processed meat including bacon, polony, ham, vienna and frankfurters. Investment could take two forms: the setting-up of processing plants in areas of the country where meat supply is available; or programmes to help supply raw materials to processing plants. Dairy

Products:

business

opportunity

Frozen Vegetables: Swaziland imports virtually

The country has favourable weather conditions

exists for dairy products other than milk. The

all of the frozen vegetables it consumes, despite

which can allow tomatoes to be grown all year

processing of milk products is a particular area

the fact that agriculture forms a major part of its

round.

which requires further exploration. Breeding of

economy. Almost all the vegetables in question

Indigenous Goats: The demand for goatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meat

can be grown in the country easily through

Peanut Butter Production: Swaziland offers

is increasing locally and in export markets â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

commercial farms and community schemes.

enabling weather conditions for groundnuts

particularly Asian countries.

Investment opportunities in this area are further

and other legumes. Most growers produce

enhanced by Swazilandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundant river water

peanuts and groundnuts for peanut powder

Cassava Processing and Starch: Swaziland

supplies.

and other raw uses. Opportunity to explore this

has been seen as a country with the necessary

area is immense as no meaningful investment

weather conditions to grow cassava. Cassava

Tomato Sauce Production: Tomatoes are

in peanut butter production has yet to take

provides an opportunity for farmers to diversify

grown in large quantities in the country and

place. Groundnuts could be grown year round

from other crops such as sugarcane and supply

have huge potential for further processing.

in Swaziland as well.

cassava production plants.

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141

Tobacco Growing: Tobacco production is

of hot and spicy food internationally. Recent

another opportunity which could be explored.

market research has confirmed the demand for

A programme for the supply of raw tobacco

green and hot pepper sauces as well as jerk

to processing plants could further help this

seasoning. Any new processing plant would

investment opportunity. The products that can

help satisfy both local and export markets.

be produced include cigarettes for both local consumption and export.

Floriculture: Flower production in Swaziland is increasing due to growth of the tourism industry.

Aquaculture: Fish farming has been in the

Flowers are attractive to local consumers and

Kingdom for some time even though local

can be exported outside the country.

consumers may not be aware of that fact. Increasingly health-conscious consumers and a

Cotton: Cotton in Swaziland has been produced

growing tourism industry has led to increased

in the dry land Lowveld of the country. The

demand for fish meat. The opportunities

crop has declined over the years but renewed

available in this area include the construction

stakeholder interest is creating opportunities

of fish hatcheries, fish ponds and processing

to revive the crop. A new programme is being

plants to produce canned fish.

put in place to help more farmers to get into the industry in order to ensure adequate supplies of

Spice Processing: There is a growing popularity

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the crop as a raw material.

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143

MANUFACTURING

in the number of companies investing in this

Swaziland offers immense opportunities in the

sector. Manufacturing activities undertaken

manufacturing sector. The country’s strategic

include mining drills for European markets and

location further enhances Swaziland’s export

refrigeration units for domestic and commercial

potential, which is anchored by the Government’s

purposes.

focus on value addition to a wide range of locally available unprocessed resources. Manufacturing operations range from small factories to large concerns employing thousands

Steel and wire goods are produced for the southern African and local markets. This industry is set to grow substantially as a result of the revival of the mining sector.

of people and utilising the latest technology. This

Opportunities of Investment

sector accounts for around 65% of total FDI and

• Electronic components manufacture and

as an employer is second only to agriculture, providing jobs for about 26% of the workforce.

assembly;

facturing.

Food, Confectionary and Beverage This is a very vibrant and significant part of the manufacturing sector in Swaziland. Food processing includes fruit and vegetable canning for export to the European, North American and Japanese markets. There is huge demand for Swazi produce in overseas markets – especially pineapples – which has resulted in a strategy to increase production.

• Manufacture of automobile spare parts; • Processing of hides and skins (Leather goods

144

• Furniture and other timber-related manu-

The manufacture of sweets, delicatessen

Engineering, Steel, Refrigeration and Assembly

and footwear);

and soft drink concentrates all utilise locally

• Pharmaceuticals;

produced sugar and are carried out on a large

Swaziland is beginning to experience a rise

• Biotechnology;

scale.

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Investment Opportunities • Fruit, vegetable preservation and bottling; • Bottling (preservation) of pickles and chutneys; • Bottling of jams and jellies; • Processing of beans and other legumes; • Dairy products (e.g. Yoghurts, custards) and ice bottling of spring-water and flavored spring water; • Juice squeezing (fresh juice from oranges, grapefruits, guavas etc) for sale to restaurants and the public.

Courtesy of SWAKI

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145

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TEXTILES

and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the US in

Textile and garment production plays a significant

2000. Guaranteed export markets encouraged

role in Swaziland’s manufacturing sector too. In

investors to enter the country and boosted

recent years, the textile and garment industry

employment. As a result, garment exports

has grown to offer a wide range of services,

to the US tripled in the three years following

including spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing,

Swaziland’s membership of AGOA. Now that the

and finishing. Introducing such labour intensive

industry has been established, opportunities to

processes locally has increased employment

capitalise on current infrastructure and relevant

opportunities and the industry currently provides

trade policy make setting up new businesses in

jobs for over 15,000 Swazis.

the industry much simpler.

Swaziland’s textile and garment manufacturers

Value Chain

are primarily located in the Matsapha Industrial

Though the textile and garment sector is export-

Estate. Swaziland’s offering of comprehensive

oriented, the industry is vertically integrated and

product lines in one location is attractive to

includes cotton farming and the production

buyers, as it allows them to meet their broad

of cotton lint. The Swaziland Cotton Board

purchasing needs in one place. As a result,

is mandated to promote the development of

The Board was also instrumental in the

Swaziland provides textiles and garments to

the cotton industry by, among other things,

acquisition of the country’s first locally owned

some of the largest retailers in the United States,

regulating the procurement of planting seed by

cotton ginnery. Finally, the Board is working

Europe, and South Africa.

farmers to ensure a marketable final product.

closely with relevant stakeholders to introduce

The Board’s activities include initiatives to

genetically engineered cotton seed in order

Industry History

increase overall cotton production, provide

to explore the potential of growing genetically

The Swazi textiles industry took off in 2001

resources to market cotton, and develop small-

modified cotton in an effort to increase yields

after Swaziland signed the African Growth

scale spinning industries.

and reduce production costs.

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Courtesy of SWAKI

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147

Sector Opportunities

oriented while also supplying the domestic

ENERGY

footwear

market. Cotton fibres and yarn can also be

Over 95% of the total power production in

manufacturing industry is confined mostly to

imported from the SADC region to supplement

Swaziland is hydroâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;powered energy. Two hydro

traditional footwear that is used in a number

production if necessary.

stations supply the electricity needs of the

Footwear

manufacturing:

The

of cultural activities. A number of smaller, basic

country. These stations are owned and operated

operations focused on sandals and other basic

Leather: Swaziland has raw materials such as

by the Swaziland Electricity Company. The

shoes operate in a number of communities

cow skin hides, due to the fact the country has

smallness of the country makes it possible for

providing customer specific designs, these are

about 640,000 cattle. Commercial slaughters

SEC to adequately provide isolated transformers

mostly informal operators scattered around the

were just over 40,000 cattle in the year 2007/08.

to large individual companies in some cases.

country. The country has in the past played host

Game leather can also be sourced locally.

This helps these companies to avoid power cuts

to a sneaker manufacturing company, which

and in consequence steer clear of unnecessary and

Apparel:

Several

leading

stopped operating in the early 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. There are

Textile

no manufacturing entities in the commercial

international

footwear category.

manufacturing and can provide raw material for

MINING

value addition.

Over the years, the Kingdom of Swaziland has

companies

are

into

This industry has a huge potential as Swaziland

identified rich deposits of a number of precious

has preferential agreements with the US, EU

Wool and Mohair: Neighbouring South Africa is

stones and gems. Though these minerals are

and African region. These agreements offer

the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest mohair producer and the fifth

only present in small volumes, they have not

generous trade and market benefits as given

largest producer of wool.

been exhaustively extracted from the ground. In

below.

148

foregone revenues due to power interruptions.

textile

a number of mines, specifically the diamond and Competitively Priced Cost of Labour: Despite

gold mines, operations have been suspended

Availability of Raw Materials

that the infrastructure in Swaziland is nearly

due to mining protocols and regulations awaiting

Cotton: The revitalised cotton industry has

world class, costs are comparable to those of

review by the appropriate mining regulations

the potential to become increasingly export-

developing countries.

body.

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In some mining products, however, exploration has resumed and the industry seems to be heading for stellar growth. The host of minerals in the country includes: asbestos, coal, quarried stone, soapstone, kaolin, talc, silica, green chert and others. Such wealth illustrates the potential of mining in Swaziland. It is hoped that development in the mining sector will have a trickle-down effect on the whole Swazi economy.

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TOURISM

such as the Reed Dance in August/September

conducts market research to plan and create

Swaziland’s tourism industry remains one of the

and the Incwala in December.

awareness of tourism nationally.

of income. The country’s stability and low crime

Traditional ceremonies are an integral part of

Investment Opportunities

rate compare well with neighbouring countries

Swazi life, despite the advent of modernisation.

• Development of a state-of-the-art government

South

fastest growing industries and a large generator

Africa

and

Mozambique.

Unique

attractions and close proximity to the world-

The Swaziland Tourism Authority

famous Kruger National Park make Swaziland a

The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) is a

popular place to visit.

parastatal that was formed under the Tourism Authority Act with the objective of stimulating

150

owned ICC; • Development of a golf estate, casino and supporting facilities; • A holiday housing estate to cater for (mainly foreign) holidaymakers.

Swaziland offers many diverse and unique

and expanding the industry through various

attractions that appeal to a wide cross-

programmes. The STA has made significant

section of tourists. Among Swaziland’s unique

contributions to the development of tourism in

Source: Swaziland Investment Promotion

attractions are colourful cultural ceremonies

the country. Among its other activities, the STA

Authority (SIPA)

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The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is the oldest customs union in the world, having been established in 1910 between the then Union of South Africa (current Republic of South Africa) and the then British High Commission Territories of Basutoland (now the Kingdom of Lesotho), Bechuanaland (now the Republic of Botswana) and the Kingdom of Swaziland (now the Kingdom of Eswatini). South-West Africa (the Republic of Namibia) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then a colony of South Africa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was a de facto member of SACU at the time.

From left to right: Hon. Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa, Hon. Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Finance of Namibia, H.E William Max Philemon Whitehead, High Commissioner of South Africa to Namibia, Hon. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Botswana, Ms. Paulina M. Elago, Executive Secretary of SACU, Hon. Kenneth O. Matambo, Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Botswana, Hon. Jabulani Mabuza, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Swaziland and Hon. Mondli Gungubele, Deputy Minister of Finance of South Africa at the 34th SACU Council Meeting held on 13 April 2018 in Windhoek, Namibia. 152

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The political changes following the independence of Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho (BLS) in the 1960s necessitated a re-negotiation of the 1910 Agreement. This culminated in the conclusion of the Agreement between the BLS and South Africa in 1969. Further political and economic dispensations in the early 1990s, including Namibia’s independence in 1990, and the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994; warranted a complete re-negotiation of the 1969 Agreement. The renegotiations culminated in a new Agreement in 2002, which sets out a broad framework for enhanced integration amongst the SACU Member States.

SACU Agreement, 2002 The SACU Agreement, 2002, ushered in clear mandates, objectives, transparent and democratic institutions and collective decision-making by the Member States. The following are the salient features of the SACU Agreement, 2002: • free movement of goods between Member States; • common external tariff on imports from third parties; • sharing of revenue from customs and excise duties; and • harmonised customs and excise policies.

SACU VISION AND MISSION SACU’s Vision is to be ‘an economic community with equitable and sustainable development, dedicated to the welfare of its people for a common future’. King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland together with Ms. Paulina M. Elago, the Executive Secretary of SACU, during his visit at the SACU Secretariat on 11 May 2017 in Windhoek, Namibia.

Consistent with this Vision, SACU’s Mission is to: • develop effective, transparent and democratic institutions and processes; • serve as an engine for regional integration and development, industrial and economic diversification, the expansion of intra-regional trade and investment, global competitiveness; • building economic policy coherence, harmonisation and convergence to meet the development needs of the region; • promote sustainable economic growth and development for employment creation and poverty reduction; • serve as a building block of an ever-closer community among the peoples of Southern Africa; and • develop common policies and strategies for areas such as trade facilitation, effective customs controls and competition.

Priority Areas: SACU’s Work Programme is underpinned by the following priorities: • regional industrial development policy; • review of the revenue sharing arrangement; • trade facilitation; • development of SACU Institutions; • unified engagement in trade negotiations; and • trade in Services. SACU is currently implementing a Ministerial Work Programme, which was approved by the Council in June 2016 following an introspection by the Member States. The key activities and focus areas of the Work Programme are as follows: a. review and development of a suitable architecture on tariff-setting and application of tariffs, rebates, refunds or duty drawbacks and trade remedies; b. strengthening existing cooperation and collaboration on Trade Facilitation to improve border efficiencies; c. review of the Revenue Sharing Formula, long-term management of the Common Revenue Pool; d. establishment of a Stabilisation Fund and a financing mechanism for regional industrialisation. Work will be undertaken to identify financing options for the regional projects; and e. development of public policy interventions to promote industrial development and value chains.

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Two Ministerial Task Teams on Finance and

SACU IN FIGURES

Trade have been established to implement the programme within a period of 24 months. The

Table 1: Member States Population Estimates in descending order

Task Teams are supported by the Task Teams

2012

of Senior Finance and Trade Officials. Thus far,

2013

2014

2015

2016

with the exception of trade facilitation, Member

SACU

59,534,901

60,417,841

61,329,388

62,270,097

63,240,704

States have undertaken national consultations

South Africa

52,325,443

53,104,386

53,912,366

54,750,491

55,619,940

and have submitted position papers in the

Namibia

2,155,440

2,196,086

2,237,894

2,280,716

2,324,388

above-mentioned

Botswana

2,070,984

2,114,890

2,156,366

2,195,134

2,230,905

Task Teams and the Council of Ministers are

Lesotho

1,902,707

1,909,321

1,916,573

1,924,381

1,932,814

scheduled to meet in June 2018 and present a

Eswatini

1,080,337

1,093,158

1,106,189

1,119,375

1,132,657

areas.

The

Ministerial

progress report to the 6th Summit scheduled for

Source: Member States Statistical Offices

29th June 2018 in Gaborone, Botswana.

Table 2: SACU Nominal GDP and GDP growth rates

INSTITUTIONS OF SACU SACU

operates

through

the

GDP at current market prices (R billion)

following

2012

institutions: Botswana

2013

2014

2015

2016

121

1434

177

183

230

Government, which provides strategic and

Eswatini

political direction to SACU;

Lesotho

• The

Summit

Heads

State

and

• The Council of Ministers, which is composed

Namibia

107

123

139

150

166

of Ministers responsible for Finance, and

South Africa

3,263

3,540

3,805

4,051

4,350

Trade and Industry in the Member States. The

SACU

3,552

3,875

4,196

4,469

4,835

Council is responsible for the overall policy

GDP growth rates (%)

direction and functioning of SACU;

2012

• The Customs Union Commission, which

2013

2014

2015

2016

Botswana

4.5

11.3

4.1

-1.7

4.3

Eswatini

4.3

6.4

1.9

0.4

1.4

Lesotho

6.0

1.8

3.1

2.5

2.4

Namibia

5.1

5.6

6.4

6.1

0.7

responsible for the implementation of the

South Africa

2.2

2.5

1.7

1.3

0.6

SACU Agreement and overseeing the work of

SACU Weighted Avg

2.4

2.9

2.1

1.3

0.7

comprises Permanent/Principal Secretaries or Directors General from the Ministries of Finance and Trade and Industry of each Member State. The Commission is

the Secretariat; • Technical

Liaison

Source: Member States Statistical Office and Central Banks, IMF; *Projection

Committees

(TLCs),

covering Agriculture; Customs; Trade and

Chart 1: GDP growth rates (%)

Industry; Transport; and Finance sectors. The TLCs support the Commission in its work; • The Secretariat, which is responsible for the day-today operations of SACU and coordination of SACU activities. It is based in Windhoek, Namibia; • The Tariff Board, which is mandated to make recommendations to the Council, on the level and changes of tariffs, rebates and trade remedies in SACU. The Tariff Board is yet to be operationalised; and • The ad-hoc Tribunal, which is tasked with adjudicating

any

dispute

regarding

the

interpretation or application of the SACU Agreement. The Tribunal is yet to be

Source: Member States Statistical Offices

operationalised.

Decision-making and Chairing of SACU institutions

As a customs union, SACU Member States

REVENUE SHARING ARRANGEMENT

must apply a Common External Tariff (CET)

Articles 32 to 37 of the SACU Agreement, 2002

on imports into the Common Customs Area.

make provisions for the Common Revenue

The chairing of institutions of SACU is for a

In the absence of a Tariff Board and as an

Pool (CRP) which consist of all customs, excise

term of 12 months, on a rotational basis and in

interim measure, the Council has delegated the

and additional duties collected in SACU, the

alphabetical order. The change takes effect on

responsibility for tariff and rebate determination

management of CRP and a formula to determine

15 July annually. The current Chair (July 2017 -

the respective shares of the pool which would

July 2018) is the Republic of Botswana.

Commission of South Africa.

Decisions of the institutions of SACU are made by consensus, except for the Tribunal.

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COMMON EXTERNAL TARIFF

the

International

Trade

Administration

accrue to each Member State. It also sets aside

Table 3: Imports from the Rest of the World (R billion) 2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

World

152,131

182,249

205,589

211,262

235,405

SACU

1,011

1,191

1,325

1,313

1,324

Botswana

107

Eswatini

Lesotho

19*

Namibia

855

998

1,083

1,088

1,099

South Africa

Source: SACU Statistical database, Trade Map; *mirror data

the process of determination of these revenue shares. As an interim measure, South Africa

Table 4: Exports to the Rest of the World (R billion) 2012

2013

2014

2015

services as the manager of the CRP.

2016

World

150,972

182,043

205,377

209,390

232,473

SACU

932

1,087

1,177

1,202

1,309

• the Customs component is allocated on the

Botswana

109

basis of each country’s share of intra-SACU

Eswatini

Lesotho

14*

• the Excise component which constitute 85%

Namibia

of the excise revenue, is distributed on the

817

929

988

1,036

1,096

basis of each country’s share of total SACU

South Africa

Source: SACU Statistical database, Trade Map; *mirror data

SACU

2012

2013

imports;

GDP; and • the Development component which is fixed at 15% of the total excise pool and distributed to

Table 5: Intra-SACU trade (R billion) Imports

The RSF has three components:

all SACU members according to the inverse 2014

2015

2016

of each country’s GDP/capita.

138

160

187

188

194

Botswana

Eswatini

Lesotho

17*

Namibia

South Africa

SACU’S RELATIONS WITH THIRD PARTIES

134

170

188

200

210

As a Customs Union, SACU Member States

have pursued a unified approach to negotiations

Eswatini

Lesotho

Namibia

104

114

132

136

140

Exports SACU Botswana

South Africa

Source: SACU Statistical database; *mirror data

The revenue shares are determined annually and approved by the Council. Thereafter, payments are disbursed to Member States on a quarterly basis.

with third parties. Since 2002, SACU has concluded several Trade Agreements with some of its key trading partners. These include the following: • preferential MERCOSUR

Trade

Agreement

with

States

(Argentina,

Brazil

Paraguay and Uruguay), in 2009;

Chart 2: Annual inflation rates (%)

• trade,

Investment

and

Development

Cooperation Agreement with the United States of America in 2008; • free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) in 2006; and • economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union as part of the SADC EPA Group in 2016.

Source: SACU Statistical database

www.sacu.int

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155

CHAPTER 7

education

Royal Science and Technology Park We spread the wings, You take the initiative.

Vision By

2022

Swaziland

will

renowned

internationally for her swiftness in exploring science, technology and innovation as means to increase the country’s economic growth and increase capacity by developing a knowledge – based economy and infrastructure. Thus substantially alleviating poverty.

The Country and Beyond The Kingdom of Swaziland is ideally situated in a beautiful landlocked region of Southern Africa bordered by South Africa to the North, South and West and Mozambique to the East. Its abundant resources and well developed infrastructure combined with the government’s initiative to provide easy and efficient access to its market place creates a uniquely safe haven for investment and a centre of excellence for developing business activity. Regional cooperation is the powerful tool which enables Swaziland to bravely embrace the challenges and opportunities of the globalising

The Kingdom is well known for its rich diversity

economy. A Member State of the Southern

of plants and animal life and harboring large

African Development Community (SADC), and

stocks of precious life species; thereby offering

Common Market for Eastern and Southern

greater potential for greater success in areas of

Africa (COMESA), Swaziland is not only a

research.

gateway to the vibrant surrounding region, but also a superior, cost-competitive investment

With

location to launch your product/technology to

Swaziland firmly in place, the processing of

the region and the outside world.

natural resources integrated with science and

mature

agricultural

development

technology adds an exciting new dimension to

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A New Journey to a New Discovery

the world of investment opportunity.

The investment policy of Swaziland is deeply

The Swaziland Biotechnology Park opens the

rooted in facilitating the dynamic climate

door to all of its rewards and benefits, and sets

of industrial investment and caters to the

the stage for lifting your business to new heights

pioneering

hi-tech

— right here, right now — in a highly advanced

discoveries, especially the emergence of the

and advantageous working environment, with

biotechnology sector.

world class technology.

development

Best of eSwatini

new

Biotechnology Park P.o. Box 2316, Matsapha Swaziland Tel: +268 25186386 Email: info@Rstp.org.sz www.rstp.org.sz

The Board of Directors,

Management & Staff of the

Royal Science & Technology Park

wish his Majesty King Mswati III, her

Majesty the Queen Mother & the Swazi

nation a very happy 50th Independance Day & his Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th Birthday!

Lunwele Loludze Mbangazitha!

www.rstp.org.sz We spread the wings, You take the Initiative

+268-2517 9448 +268-2517 9448

P.O.Box Box2316 2316 Matsapha P.O. Matsapha

RoyalScience Science Technology Royal andand Technology Park Park

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Best of eSwatini

Africa's traditional monarch of vision and leadership

His Majesty King Mswati III is the only post independence monarch who has led Swaziland for 32 years. He ascended the throne at the age of 18 in 1986, four years after the demise of his father King Sobhuza II who died in 1982 after a long reign that began in 1921.

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CHAPTER 8

CORPORATE PROFILES AND CSR

Swaziland National Provident Fund (SNPF) Foreword and Introduction from SNPF Chief Executive Officer; Prince Lonkhokhela

King Sobhuza named the Fund Lidlelantfongeni which loosely means saving for the future. The Lidlelantfongeni symbolizes provisions, ‘ingcamu’, or a package for workers to take home when leaving employment or on their journey to retirement.

Role played by SNPF in improving the economy of Swaziland The Fund has contributed immensely in improving the economy of Swaziland through

Brief Background of SNPF and the rationale behind its establishment

The King held numerous successful dialogues

venturing on sustainable investments aligned to

with the workers’ representatives and through

the King’s vision of transforming Swaziland from

The Swaziland National Provident Fund was

his visionary leadership contributions, the

a developing country to a First World country.

established in 1974 as a retirement savings

workers felt that they understood the concept

scheme, the main purpose of which is to

and purpose of the SNPF by April 1976. On the

In 1985, the Fund invested E10 million to build

provide benefit for the employed persons when

6th of May 1976, His Majesty directed the Fund

the Dlanubeka House, which is still one of the

they retire from regular employment in old age

to commence.

largest office complexes in Mbabane. Two years later, in 1987, the Provident Fund invested E7

or in the event of being incapacitated. On 31st August 1974 His Majesty King Sobhuza II signed

The King was passionate about this Fund

million and built the Liqhaga Office block in

the King’s Order in Council No.23 which set up

hence his hands on approach to the negotiation

Manzini. In 1989, the Provident Fund invested

SNPF. It is with fond memories we cherish the

process as his strategy to minimize the risks, any

approximately E5 million on 27 executive

day he delivered a speech on the formation of

disputes or failures. His Majesty King Sobhuza

houses in extension 6, Manzini, and a further 33

the Fund at Lozitha on 2nd October 1975.

II issued a directive that the Head Office of

executive house at E12 million in Manzini.

the Fund should be built in Manzini, as it

166

Lidlelantfongeni aligns itself with the country’s

is centrally located and accessible to all

In 1990, 126 apartment units called Liqhaga

investment policy that at least 50% of their value

stakeholders. We now have branches in all four

flats were constructed in Manzini, an investment

are invested back into the country to improve its

administrative regions of the beautiful Kingdom

of over E11 million, in response to the housing

economy and the livelihood of eMaswati.

of eSwatini.

shortage between Manzini and Matsapha. In

Best of eSwatini

1990 again, the Fund constructed houses in Nhlangano to address housing shortage there at a cost of over E1 million. Among other projects, the Fund invested millions for the construction of Bhunu Mall in Manzini. It is through such initiatives that the Fund was given the entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1996. Recently, in the year 2015, the organisation invested in the country’s infrastructure through the opening of Sivuno House in Manzini. When officially opening this structure, His Majesty

We all remember for instance the time when His

living with disabilities as a way of ensuring that

Majesty’s Government declared the drought as

they have a brighter future just like every other

a national disaster, and in an effort to respond to

normal person. We all know that education is at

the national drought crises which was estimated

the heart of His Majesty King Mswati III as seen

King Mswati III commended Lidlelantfongeni

to be affecting more than 200 000 people in the

in his dedication to establish a SADC University

for contributing towards the country’s Vision

country inclusive of those living with disabilities,

of Transformation to be based in the Kingdom.

2022 to becoming a First World status nation

the Fund donated E100 000 towards the

by the construction of such state-of-the art

national disaster.

which is a concept that was envisioned by the

Initiatives in supporting HMK Mandate

Projects the SNPF has worked closely with Ingwenyama and one exciting event you will never forget as SNPF CEO

King, the Fund has assisted a number of schools

Ingwenyama has been highly influential and

in the country, as well as those underprivileged

supportive to the growth of SNPF. His Majesty

The Fund has supported a myriad of national

as part of its corporate social responsibility

always encourages the nation to focus on

initiatives that are at the heart of His Majesty,

programme.

development and job creation and we adhere to

buildings which play a critical role in improving our economy in Swaziland.

Moreover, through the Imbube Marathon –

the King, the objective of which is to make life

his advice through our various projects.

better for all citizens of the Kingdom, the elderly

The Fund has also provided scholarships worth

We are also grateful that whenever we have

in particular.

hundreds of thousands, especially to those

events he honors the invite as he normally wants

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167

sometimes build houses for the aged and she has always expressed her gratitude to us for playing a role in improving the quality of life for the elderly. Whenever she shares any words of motivation or gratitude on our projects I report back to the staff so they note that their efforts are appreciated. They both have been very supportive of SNPF and we value that support very highly.

was called to shed light on the delay in its

making. What I can also mention is that we are

implementation. His interest in our operations

honored that even at the Swaziland International

has helped because that funeral policy was

to thousands of workers and it is good to

Trade Fair, Ingwenyama visits our stand and

then effected. He has also requested an update

note that over the years we have not heard of

normally takes time asking questions and

on the issue of the conversion to a pension

any misappropriation of these funds or of any

getting an update on our operations. This is one

fund and that shows just how interested in our

corrupt activities, which makes the organisation

of the reasons we always have our Executive

operations he is.

a prime example of good corporate and financial

Lidlelantfongeni is handling money that belongs

governance.

Committee of Managers available at the stand,

168

Future prospects for the SNPF

to see for himself the level of progression we are

as they are able to brief him on any aspect he

This is the same for Her Majesty Indlovukazi.

may ask.

She is passionate about issues of the elderly

We have a corporate strategy of 2015 to

and whenever we have projects that supports

2020. Key in this strategy is the conversion

On one occasion he inquired about the progress

the objectives of what Philani Maswati stands

to a pension fund. We would also like as we

of funeral cover and immediately the minister

for, she gets feedback on it. For example we

continue to grow to also have good packages

Best of eSwatini

other countries with less numbers of population having three mobile service operators, so we can explore that as well. In short there is quite a number of initiatives we are working on which will create a number of employment opportunities, thus reducing poverty in the Kingdom.

Speaking from the heart, message to HMK on his 50th birthday and to the nation in celebrating 50 years of independence. I extend my warmest congratulations to His Majesty and the Kingdom of eSwatini in celebrating 50 years of peace, stability and development. We are excited to have a visionary leader like His Majesty King Mswati III who wants to see the nation reaching greater heights by the year 2022. We pray that God grants him more wisdom and determination as he leads the country forward. As SNPF, we are committed in supporting his vision as it is for the good of the country and Africa at large. Happy Birthday Your Majesty. Khula Mlisa, Khula Ntsandzane yema Swati. Bayethe Wena Phakathi!

for domestic workers and other laborers we

projects in property that we will undertake and

have not reached out to.

we are also looking at some other innovative investment options such as venturing into

Additionally we are looking at improving the

telecommunications.

funeral cover, such that if someone wants to contribute to it for an even bigger payout they

In telecommunications that company would

can have that option. We have other investment

be supported by the members, we have seen

Tel: +268 2508 2006 www.snpf.co.sz

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169

Swaziland Water Services Corporation (swsc) The Swaziland Water Services Corporation (SWSC) is a body duly established under the Water Services Corporation Act, No. 12 of 1992. SWSC is a category â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Public Enterprise in terms of the Public Enterprise (Control and Monitoring) Act No.8 of 1989 and therefore it is wholly owned by Government.

SWSC KEY MOMENTS 1992 Water Services Corporation Act, No. 12 of 1992 establishes the Swaziland Water Services Corporation to convert from Water and Sewerage Board. 1993 Minister of Housing and Urban Development John Carmichael appoints the first Board of Directors led by Mr Samuel Earnshaw. 1994 SWSC

gained

full

autonomy

through

corporatisation

August 1, 1994. 1995 Mr Peter Bhembe is appointed Chief Executive Officer of SWSC. 1996 SWSC posts its first profits of E1,4 milion a major step towards being less reliant on government subventions. 1997 A Performance contract is effected to look at developments and performance of the new entity subject to annual reviews. 1998 SWSC develops its first Corporate Plan whose highlights include planning for growth, efficiency initiatives as well as product and service quality. 1999 SWSC starts becoming self-sustainable and it receives its last

Although the history of a water services department in the country dates back to 1974 when a government entity known as the Swaziland Water and Sewerage Board (SWSB) was established, the key turning point

subvention from Government of E1.7 million. 2000 SWSC posts operating profits of E5.9 million, which is a double increase from previous years.

was in 1994 when it was decided that to improve service provision there

2001 New Board of Directors led by Mr Esau Zwane takes over from

was need to corporatize the Board, this resulted in the formation of the

Mr Samuel Earnshaw and pays tribute to their role in developing

Corporation (SWSC).

SWSC. 2002 SWSC faces a challenging year due to a national disaster, drought

At the time of transition, the then SWSB was just a department of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD). On establishment SWSC continued to fall under MHUD until after the successful implementation of the World Bank funded Urban Development Project (UDP). Years thereafter SWSC was transferred to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the line ministry it reports to to-date.

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Best of eSwatini

affecting mainly Eastern region. This increases pumping costs and tankered water services to alleviate the affected areas. 2003 SWSC increases its investments in infrastructure through capital projects to increase water and sanitation access. 2004 The Corporation marks 10 years of existence and water connections rise to the 26 000 mark.

2005 New Headquarters Emtfonjeni Building is officially opened in May by His Majesty King Mswati III. 2006 New Customer Toll Free Line 800 5000 becomes fully operational. 2008 SWSC wins International Award for Excellence and Business Prestige in New York obtaining Gold. 2009 SWSC extends its product line by venturing into bottled water and launches Eco water. 2010 The Corporation posts healthy double digit profits E12.3m from E9.6m the previous year. 2011 Mr Themba Maseko is appointed Board Chairman in January 2011 taking over from Mr Esau Zwane. 2012 SWSC is officially accredited by the South African National Accreditation Systems (SANAS) for its Mbabane Laboratory in March 2012. 2013 SWSC announces an over E100 million upgrade of water and sanitation infrastructure for fast developing tourism hub Ezulwini. 2014 On August 1, 2014, SWSC officially turns 20 years, and celebrates customer growth from 26,000 in 1994 to 42,900 in 2014. 2015 Launching of SISOMA water projects PM, Official opening of Nhlangano water treatment plant (Masibini) 2016 State of the art wellness center is opened at Headquarters fostering a healthy workforce. 2017 His Majesty King Mswati 111 officially opens the E225M SISOMA water project benefiting 61,000 people in Siphofaneni, Somntongo and Matsanjeni. 2017 His Majesty the King officially opens the state of the art Nhlangano regional offices, the first building in the region with an elevator. 2018 The Board of Directors, management and Staff of Swaziland Water Services Corporation join His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen Mother and the entire Swaziland Nation to celebrate 50

Bayethe wena waphakathi!! www.swsc.co.sz

years of peace, stability and development.

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171

Swaziland Railway Swaziland Railway is a parastatal organisation that provides transport services for import and export commodities as well as transit cargo. It is rated one of the best railways in the SADC region in terms of transit time, reliability and predictability. Linking Swaziland’s main industrial centres with the railway systems of South Africa, Mozambique and other SADC countries that trade with overseas markets. This railway owns and maintains the infrastructure, rolling stock and operates a 301km rail network.

Tag/Punch Line (Motto) Efficiency Re-defined

Vision Statement To lead in providing total quality rail transport and logistics solutions in the region and beyond

Mission Statement Our mission is to provide transportation services to the local and international markets

Through: • Delivering a service that is responsive to current and future customer needs, • Fostering and influencing mutually beneficial stakeholder relationships, • Ensuring high standards of safety, quality, environmental and risk management practices and; • Enhancing shareholder confidence and value through self-sustenance

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Best of eSwatini

Congratulations your majesty

The Board, Management and Staff of Swaziland Railway take this opportunity to congratulate His Majesty the King, The Indlovukazi and the whole Swazi Nation on this historic milestone of the 50th Anniversary since the country gained its independence. As a government owned enterprise we also celebrated SRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th anniversary in 2014 as a prelude to this bigger national celebration that we are happy to be part of at this moment. We wish the Kingdom of Swaziland a successful future and hopefully we will be part of this bright future and continue to uplift the economy of the country. Bayethe Wena Waphakathi

Tel: +268 2411 7400 Website www.swazirail.co.sz

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173

“Our primary goal is to help rural communities across the globe improve their access to water through the distribution of Hippo Rollers

Swaziland, soon to be known as “eSwatini” (meaning “place of the Swazi”), like many countries throughout the world and particularly in Africa, faces increasing water stress. It is a landlocked country, where access to water mainly comes through access to ground water with 3,000 boreholes having been drilled in the country since 1986.

internationally,” says Grant Gibbs, executive director of Hippo Roller.

Keep on rolling The Hippo Roller is essentially a water transportation drum, which gives people the ability to transport five times as much water as a regular sized (20 litre) bucket, by simply rolling it on the ground. It is made from UV stabilised linear low-density polyethylene and designed to cope with the rough conditions typically found

It is in this context, that Hippo Roller’s true utility becomes apparent.

in rural areas.

Our most precious resource Time is our most precious resource. By addressing the difficulty of retrieving water, the

174

Best of eSwatini

The WASH Ntontozi Phase 2 project in the Mpini Chiefdom (Swaziland) is a project implemented by boMake Rural Projects (formerly Gone Rural boMake) and funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A few of the community beneficiaries had this to say about the impact that Hippo Rollers had made on their lives. “The Hippo Rollers are really helpful to us. I am able to carry a large amount of water at one time, as the Hippo Rollers carry 90 litres. I used to fetch water using a wheelbarrow and it Hippo Rollers in Mangundze (Carlos Morgado Foundation).

was challenging as it requires a lot of energy. I used to fetch water twice a day but now I fetch it once.” Mrs. Xolile Dlamini, a mother of two daughters age four and two, from Mpini.

Hippo Rollers being distributed to communities Hippo Roller simply buys more time! And this in turn

challenges. We believe that there is massive scope for

Mrs Xolile Dlamini, with her daughter

can be put to more productive use for education, social

micro-financing services to include the Hippo Roller as

Sinethamba, on the way to fetch water.

development and local entrepreneurship.

a “Product with Purpose” and to broaden the business

The impact of appropriate solutions

model of Hippo Roller to make it less dependent on

“I now enjoy fetching water from the boreholes

conventional fund-raising and donor generosity.”

using the Hippo Roller. I no longer have to carry

The Hippo Roller is instantly understood and accepted

the heavy bucket on my head. It was strenuous

as a far better option for retrieving water, requiring very

It was just last year that Hippo Roller was the recipient

as my homestead is situated uphill and I would

little explanation or demonstration. Recipients begin to

of the Frost & Sullivan “2016 African Rural Portable

reach home tired.

enjoy the benefits immediately.

Water Solutions Product Leadership Award”, which summarised its own view of our future, like this:

We are five in the family so and we use almost

“The impact of the Hippo Roller has been profound.

90 litres a day. Before we got the Hippo Rollers,

Women, children and the elderly are able to transport 90

“Since the establishment of the Hippo Water Roller

I had to fetch water at least three times a day

litres (90kg) [24 gallons, 200 pounds] of water easily, to

Project in 1994, the company has continued to provide

using a 20-litre bucket.”

provide enough for a family of five people for a day, with

an appropriate portable water solution for economically

a single trip,” says Gibbs.

poor

communities

across

Africa.

Leveraging

its

Ms. Dlamini Jabu (21 years old), Mpini.

relationships with sponsors, corporate partners, and

Sustainability

NGOs, the Hippo Water Roller Project has established

Specifically designed to last many years, the Hippo

itself as a sustainable initiative that provides African

Roller’s lasts 5 to 7 years, often longer. Once it can no

communities with an immediate and winning water and

longer perform its intended function, it is almost always

sanitation solution.”

used for other purposes, rather than being discarded, including being used as storage bins, flower pots,

Says Gibbs, “One thing we do know is that the problem

feeding troughs for animals and even baths for children.

of water security is not going away!”

Improvements and innovations

Partners and projects

Hippo Roller has introduced some minor improvements

Many current community development initiatives around

and added a few optional extras since its original design

the world, with a completely different focus from water,

such as the “Utility/Irrigation Cap” and the “Hippo

can be more effective in the communities they serve just

Spaza” for the more entrepreneurial informal traders,

by improving access to water. Even NGOs who install

primarily amongst small-scale farmers.

wells and boreholes could serve a wider territory by including Hippo Rollers from the same borehole. Water

Future plans?

is something that most of us just don’t think about. But

“Our primary focus is on partnering appropriately with

for millions, it’s all they think about, every single day.

major corporates, NGOs and Government bodies actively targeting sustainable solutions to water access

Jabu Dlamini, from Mpini, returning from fetching water.

Tel: +27 8294HIPPO (+27 82 9444776) +27 72 720 6695 Email: support@hipporoller.org irene.peterkin@hipporoller.org www.hipporoller.org

The Hippo Roller simply works.

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CHAPTER 9

financial services

The Swaziland Development Finance Corporation (FINCORP) Helping Swazi citizens to help themselves – 22 years of loyal service.

Introduction The

Swaziland

Development

Finance

Corporation (FINCORP), was launched by His Majesty King Mswati III in November 1995 with the main objective of providing access to credit for entrepreneurs at grassroots level with a view of financing productive sectors of the economy and drive wealth creation for the Swazi Citizens. FINCORP was initially known as Enterprise Trust Fund (ETF) strictly offering wholesale finance, but later in year 2003 transformed into a financial services corporation offering direct retail lending to Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at Individual; Company; Association; and Co-operative level. The main focus of the organisation being job creation and poverty alleviation. FINCORP is a registered corporation with two shareholders namely the Swaziland Government and Tibiyo TakaNgwane holding 80% and 20% respectively. The objectives of FINCORP as enshrined on Legal Notice No: 16 of 1996 issued under the Finance & Audit Act No: 18 of 1967 are: • To finance and promote the development of Swazi-owned Enterprises; • To support the expansion of loan financing to Swazi Entrepreneurs; • To support the provision of business advisory services,

training,

monitoring,

technical

transfers and development of other products and services for Swazi Entrepreneurs; • To

facilitate

access

institutional

development services and increase the long-term sustainability of Swazi owned enterprises. The organisation then first opened its doors to the public in April 1996 as a wholesale institution providing access to credit through intermediary

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organisations. The financial intermediaries took

a priority to the organisation; as such a great

the form of legally registered Cooperatives;

investment has over the years been made in

Associations and Trusts.

staff development.

Down the line in 2003, informed by inherent

Product Offering

constraints associated with the peer group

FINCORP offers multiple financial products

lending

organisation

which include credit, leasing facilities, trade

transformed to direct retail lending methodology

finance, general purpose finance and insurance

but retained a group lending window for those

services. Decent repayment rates have been

associations.

maintained over the years whilst the portfolio at

methodology

the

risk has been kept within acceptable levels.

Achievements over the years FINCORP has achieved considerable success

In January 2010 FINCORP expanded its scope

in reaching out to large numbers of SMEs,

by forming a new subsidiary company known

whilst at the same time maintaining institutional

as FIRST FINANCE COMPANY (FIRST); which

and financial sustainability. The organisation

is an authorised financial services provider.

has grown to become one of the leading

FIRST

Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in the

Loans to salaried employees of the civil

region and was in 2009 ranked as one of the

service, parastatals and other selected private

top five best performing DFIs in Africa by the

organisations. Beyond just offering credit,

Association of African Development Finance

FIRST FINANCE also offers financial planning

Institutions (ADDFI). The institution has since

and debt counselling to its borrowers and the

inception provided cumulative financial and

main motivation behind this initiative being

non-financial support valued at more than E5.2

to practice responsible and credible lending

billion to more than 80,000 clients and currently

to loan beneficiaries guarding against over

sustains 15,100 jobs through FINCORP funded

indebtedness. Types of funding offered include

projects.

short term loans, education loans, medical

FINANCE

offers

General

Purpose

loans, home improvements, rural housing and In recent years FINCORP’s workforce has

debt consolidation facilities. The company

doubled to reach 101 employees in line with the

is wholly owned by Swaziland Development

growth of the group through the establishment

Finance Corporation (FINCORP).

of a rural branch network and of course the formation of two subsidiary companies.

Again in an effort to diversify the income

FINCORP’s credit department continues to

FINCORP established a second subsidiary

be at the centre of the organisation’s service

company venturing into the insurance sector.

delivery mechanism. Other ancillary support

The subsidiary is called FINSURE INSURANCE

departments include Finance, Legal, Audit,

BROKERS and offers access to short term

Marketing,

insurance and life insurance products.

streams for the Group; in January 2015,

Human

Resources,

Information

Technology and others. FINCORP has always ensured that their pool of employees comprises

Customer Relationship

of qualified and capable employees. Staff

From inception FINCORP has treated clients in

development and capacity building remain

high regard and this manifests itself in the large

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number of repeat borrowers and those that have grown their businesses over the years are still working with the organisation. This prompted the introduction of new products aimed at meeting the diverse nature and needs of the clients, with FINCORP’s client base having grown tremendously over the years. The main value proposition being how clients are nurtured, monitored and mentored as part of the organisation’s loan tracking system. A satisfied client will always come back; as a result FINCORP has clients that date back to the late 90’s. Most of these started off small and have grown their business operations through and with the help of FINCORP. Others have diversified to other businesses and continue to benefit from the vast array of loan products offered.

Key Challenges The demand for FINCORP’s services continues to far exceed the available capital resource base

medium enterprises to expand and sustain their

years. The developmental and economic impact

prompting increased external borrowing against

businesses.

is evidenced by the total annual contribution of Growth Domestic Product (GDP) of E1.4 Billion

the backdrop of increased cost of capital.

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Attraction of foreign currency denominated debt

Conclusion

generated by loan beneficiaries under FINCORP.

has presented its fair share of challenges to the

In the final analysis, the key objectives of

FINCORP continues to uphold its initial highest

organisation considering the global forex market

providing access to credit; job creation;

aspiration, which is, “To be recognised and

volatility. The single digit low domestic economic

contributing to economic growth and alleviating

acknowledged by our stakeholders nationally

growth has limited opportunities for small and

poverty have been fairly achieved over the

and internationally as the foremost business

Best of eSwatini

development

institution

providing

financial

services in the country.” FINCORP also continues to be guided by its statement of purpose, which is, “To economically empower Swazi Entrepreneurs through the provision of accessible and sustainable financial services.” Delivering the key mandate of “Helping Swazi Ctizens To Help Themselves” as commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III the Ingwenyama of Swaziland in November 1995, is not only gratifying but remains the main driver for the organisation to reach even greater heights by changing the livelihoods of our people. We therefore join the entire nation in celebrating the fifty years of independence coupled by the unending peace and prosperity for the people – “First world status is possible!”

7th Floor Dhlanubeka Bld, Cnr of Mdada & Lalufadlana Streets, Mbabane, Kingdom of Swaziland Tel: +268 24049436/9272/7801 Email: sdfc@fincorp.co.sz www.fincorp.co.sz

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Celebrating swaziland

and moving forward which replaced Matsapha International Airport as the only international airport accepting commercial flights in 2014 is yet another example. The Royal Science and Technology Park, an initiative by His Majesty King Mswati III developed as a public enterprise that will foster an environment that inspires and drives scientific and technological research and development ideas and activities. The Lubovana dam, which is an addition to mitigate the rising water demands both industrially and domestically also adds to the list. The Royal Villas, a prestigious hotel offering a 5 star service in the tranquil Ezuwini Valley and the birth of Mobile Telecommunication Networks, September 1998 marked the dawn of a new era of communication in the country as the entire Swazi nation took its first strides towards the digital era. Our advancements as a bank are not too remote from that of our beloved country. Having been rated amongst the highest performing bank during the 2015/2016 survey that was conducted on all banks, we constantly strive to venture on to the next phase, the next step through making progress real. We offer a myriad of products and services that are tailored for a nation steeped in culture while having fully embraced the 21st century. Our Commercial banking division offers products and services that are created to meet the demands of a fast pace world, thus enabling our customers the ability to compete with an added edge. Our staff, equipped with the knowledge of problem solving as and when it is needed. SME banking, recently reinvented, is a one-stop-shop for our SME customers whose vision is to grow exponentially through carefully crafted financial solutions. With the understanding that business never sleeps, we have introduced products such as the Bulk Note Acceptor (a cash deposit machine) tailored to offer cash deposit solutions throughout the day, every day. Right from the time Standard Bank first opened doors to the public, our main driving force in the way in which we render our services is – ‘’customer is king’’, our customers’ needs and demands are what motivates us to strive towards perfection. Swaziland and her people have been and still are a growing nation and Standard Bank has been privileged at the opportunity to grow together with this great nation, to be the vehicle with which the nations’ leaders, teachers, youth and entrepreneurs can move forward. Having overcome adversities over the years and maintained its identity as a peaceful and friendly nation, Swaziland is a place we take great pride in calling our home and thus continually strive to drive her growth. With the continuous legacy of sound leadership under His Majesty King Mswati III, we constantly find new favour with every turn. The evolution of the land that we live in has taken on many forms over the years. Be it through architecture, infrastructure, technology or economical changes, Swaziland has maintained a steady yet robust means of improvement that has seen the nation keeping abreast with her international counterparts. This has not been an easy triumph considering that Swaziland has the least amount of natural resources compared to most of her counterparts – thus further cementing her as a modern day “miracle child”. This is a story we take pride in telling as we have had a front row seat in watching many of these Swazi marvels come to fruition. The Maguga dam is one such example, followed by the MR3 a major highway linking Matsapha, Mbabane and Manzini, now popularly known as the Mbabane to Manzini corridor. The Mavuso Trade Center, home to the country’s earmark international event the Swaziland International Trade Fair, is complete with awe-inspiring exhibition pavilions and a state of the art sports centre. The King Mswati III International Airport

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Our Personal banking division, cleverly segmented to suit our customers’ financial management needs, offers customers the financial services tailored to propel them to their next level. Our digital channel banking platforms, available across the various personal banking segments is the answer to today’s life demands. With Swaziland entering her golden years, we celebrate her spirit of resilience, her tenacity, her cultural pride, her economically savy people and her drive to constantly develop and grow into her fullest potential. We are proud to have called Swaziland our home for the past 44 years and are looking forward to reaching that NEXT together.

Growing together with the nation

in this land Standard Bank Swaziland has called home for 44 years.

www.standardbank.co.sz

CHAPTER 10

PLANTATIONS AND FORESTRY

SWAZILAND PLANTATIONS

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Plantation Swaziland Plantations was first planted in 1947 where the planted area consisted of a 3200ha Pine Plantation, located in the North Western side of Swaziland in the HhoHho District. The plantation produces about 40 000 m3 of round logs annually, with all material used internally as raw materials to supply the sawmill. Main species planted are Pinus Elliottii, Pinus Taeda and Pinus Elliottii Crabaia

Sawmill Swaziland Plantations sawmill operations consists of a number of different production units. The plant is made up of the main mill; processing around 76 000m3 of round logs annually, with the industrial mill processing 20 000m3 per annum. The other departments consist of a door plant, CCA treating plant and a finger joint plant. These operations are managed by the General Manager, Pierre Prinsloo and his team of highly competent and dedicated staff. The company has employed around 600 people. The mill is set up to process Pine and Eucalyptus, with the ability to kiln dry all material. • Primary Products: Structural, industrial, crating and CCA `Pine timber. Industrial and crating Eucalyptus timber. • Secondary products: Pine wood chips and Chicken and Horse bedding.

Swazi Treated Timber – Treating Plant In 2009 Guy More bought Swazi Treated Timber, a treating plant located near Mbabane from the Crabtree Family. The treating operation consisted of a Creosote and CCA treating plant. Since 2009 both plants have been upgraded to comply with better environmental, safety and production standards. Today the plant produces around 8000m3 of transmission poles and 7500m3 of building and fencing poles annually. Primary Products: Transmission, P&T, Agricultural and structural poles, treated with an option of Creosote or CCA.

Swazi Treated Timber – Sawmill After operating the treating plant for some time, management saw the opportunity to start another Pine Sawmill. A bandsaw mill began cutting wet off saw material, but was upgraded over time to a 50 000n3 structural, certified sawmill and is currently managed by Mr. Ryan Doyle. Primary Products: Structural, Industrial, crating and wet off saw timber.

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SwaziDrum Guy More joined forces with a then, South African cable drum manufacturer in 2001 and moved the SA manufacturing operation to Swaziland. This move created jobs for more than 100 Swazi people within the Piggs Peak area. SwaziDrum is located close to its raw material source and manufactures cable drums in kit form, the components are then transported to assembly plants located in Port Elizabeth, Vereeniging and Johannesburg. These plants are all BEE Level 2 companies. SwaziDrum Manufacturers, through its assembly plants, supplies blue chip companies such as Aberdare Cables, Mtec and Alcon. Primary Products: Wooden and Plywood cable drums.

Magwegwane The Magwegwane farm was a rundown Eucalyptus farm, bought from the Bothma

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Family in 2011. The farm is located in the Northern part of the HhoHho District. JP Poupard took on the challenge to rebuild the infrastructure and convert the farm to Pine; and in 2020 the farm will be completely replanted to 1100ha of Pine. The farm will only commence production in 2030.

The Lumber Yard The Lumber Yard depot was established in 2017 to create a department that could service the smaller, more niche customers based in the greater Gauteng Area. Managed by Marius van der Berg, the team works out of the depot in Birch Acres, Johannesburg. Products sold: Structural and Industrial Timber, Plywood and Doors.

For more information on our plants, services or products: Tel: +268 24371 344 www.swaziplant.com

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PROUDLY AFRICAN BUILDING COMMUNITIES - CONNECTING MINDS

Proudly African is an initiative of GlobalVillage.world which is a AFRICA

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Volume 5 • 2013 DIPLOMAT AFRICA

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BOTSWANA: Beyond Vision 2016 AFRICA WANTS: TRADE not AID

This is where the BEST OF AFRICA in business, government and non-

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profit organisations unite, promoting their vision and best practice in order to find the right customers, partnerships and joint ventures. PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH LEADERSHIP, DIPLOMACY AND TRADE

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LEADERSHIP

VOLUME 2

TANZANIA

SHARING KNOWLEDGE, VISION & INSPIRATION

www.ProudlyAfrican.info

BASHI

GAETSALOE

leaders in aviation

LEADERS IN NATURAL RESOURCES ENERGY, MINING & CONSTRUCTION

“THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND TANZANIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH”

africa

DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY AT THE HELM OF BDC

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PROUDLY AFRICAN

Boosting Inter-trade & Cultural Relations across the continent

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The initiative has an unstoppable magnetic presence with its ever growing country and sectoral window already in over 25 African states. We invite all leaders in business and government across Africa to showcase and integrate their visions and activities so as to promote inter-Africa trade, investment and skills transfer from around the globe.

We are an ever growing tribe of media entrepreneurs, colleagues and friends that publish the “Best of” the World and “Leaders” in Industry series of books both in print and online. In today’s worldwide market, every country, city and region must compete with others for a share of the world’s skilled work force, top entrepreneurs, tourists, exports, and investors. Please join us in promoting your country as we make the Globe our Village. Email: info@globalvillage.world | GVPEDIA COMMUNICATIONS: gia@gvpedia.com

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Participators Index Computer Education Trust (CET)

Global Village World

11, 190

GVPedia Communications

11, 190

Headspace 11 Hippo Roller

174

Inhlanyelo Fund King Mswati III International Airport Kirsh Holdings

74, OBC 106 68

Limkokwing University Maize Milling

160 70

NATEX 73 Proudly African

11, 190

Royal Science and Technology Park

158

SawziDrum Manufacturers

186

SPINTEX 73 Standard Bank

182

SWAKI

68, OBC

Swazi Treated Timbers

186

Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA)

106

Swaziland National Provident Fund (SNPF)

166

Swaziland Plantations Group

184

Swaziland Railway

172

Swaziland Water Services Corporation (SWSC)

170

The Kingdom of Swaziland The Kirsh Family Foundation

12, 86, 118 68, OBC

The Lumber Yard

186

The Southern African Customs Union (SACU)

152

The Swaziland Development Finance Corporation (FINCORP)

176

The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA)

152

194

Best of eSwatini

195